The traditional, conservative one-piece swimsuit is being abandoned in favor of the bikini. Wang Zhuoqiong reports from Beijing.

For women there are two essentials for the beach this summer - a bikini and sunblock. For 22-year-old college student Liu Fang, a trip to Sanya, Hainan in South China, means packing six bikinis. "A bikini for a beach vacation is like an evening gown for a banquet," Liu said. "They may use little fabric but they deserve the same respect as any other clothes."

Her resort wear, mostly purchased on Taobao.com, is of various colors and themes and accessorized with flip-flops, sunglasses and hats.