The Rickshaw Report : Chinese Beauty Ideals & the Rise of Cosmetic Surgery

This week, the Rickshaw Report explores what is considered beautiful by the Chinese, and also the rise of the ‘plastic fantastic’ aka cosmetic surgery in the Middle Kingdom.   1. What is considered beautiful by the  Chinese? I think China’s idea of what is beautiful as changed throughout the course of history. In ancient times, women with fuller figures were considered as the most attractive. However, today, a slim body is seen as most desirable.  I think Beijingers are the most good-looking Chinese people. They have a great sense of style, which alters depending on the season. 2. Do you have many friends or relatives who have openly undergone cosmetic surgery? Yes, I had a female neighbor who had some plastic surgery. But, personally, I do not think the procedure really made her more beautiful. 3.What is your view on plastic surgery? I am aware that there is a trend of Chinese people traveling to South Korea to undergo plastic surgery. Some results are great, others less so. Well, certain cases, the people even get health problems because they risk going to dodgy surgeons who charge less. 3. In the west, many white women desperately want tanned skin, and even go to extreme measures to attain their desired look including risking skin cancer by sunbathing for hours. What do you […]

Jan 21, 2016

The Rickshaw Report : Chinese Beauty Ideals & the Rise of Cosmetic Surgery

This week, the Rickshaw Report explores what is considered beautiful by the Chinese, and also the rise of the ‘plastic fantastic’ aka cosmetic surgery in the Middle Kingdom.   1. What is considered beautiful by the  Chinese? I think China’s idea of what is beautiful as changed throughout the course of history. In ancient times, women with fuller figures were considered as the most attractive. However, today, a slim body is seen as most desirable.  I think Beijingers are the most good-looking Chinese people. They have a great sense of style, which alters depending on the season. 2. Do you have many friends or relatives who have openly undergone cosmetic surgery? Yes, I had a female neighbor who had some plastic surgery. But, personally, I do not think the procedure really made her more beautiful. 3.What is your view on plastic surgery? I am aware that there is a trend of Chinese people traveling to South Korea to undergo plastic surgery. Some results are great, others less so. Well, certain cases, the people even get health problems because they risk going to dodgy surgeons who charge less. 3. In the west, many white women desperately want tanned skin, and even go to extreme measures to attain their desired look including risking skin cancer by sunbathing for hours. What do you […]

Jan 21, 2016