Standards of Beauty in China
Standards of beauty are ever-changing across cultures. While some beauty standards have remained consistent in China since ancient times, others have recently evolved.
Want to know more about what Chinese people consider beautiful these days? In this article, we delve into the world of plastic surgery and skincare, learn about different “face types” and explore (often unhealthy) ideas about body image in China.
The faces of beauty
Big eyes, a “tall” nose, a small frame, and of course, a fair complexion. Whether it’s for a man or woman, these are the most important factors when it comes to Chinese beauty standards.
Throughout history, a small face with a pointy chin has been the mark of beauty for most Chinese women. Today, these features have been further categorized into different types of faces, some of which are considered less than ideal.
The following are some of the main “face types” as defined by Chinese netizens:
First love face (åˆæ‹è„¸, chÅ«liànliÇŽn)
Perhaps the most loved of all the Chinese face types, the “first love face” represents purity and innocence.
The overall face shape is still like an egg or melon seed, but the focus is on having a “girl next door” look. This means having large almond-shaped eyes, double eyelids that are not too wide, wild thick eyebrows, tender lips, and a youthful and childlike appearance. People with this face type are discouraged from wearing heavy makeup.
A good example of celebrities who are considered to have this type of face are Tan Songyun (è°æ¾éŸµ) and Mao Xiaotong (毛晓彤).
åˆæ‹è„¸ (chÅ«liànliÇŽn) is a beauty standard often associated with younger Chinese women.
Catfish face (鲶鱼脸, niányúliÇŽn)
Although the image of a catfish might not really conjure up images of attractive people, it is considered the most alluring of all the different face types.
This type of face consists of a large mouth, thicker lips, a wide distance between the eyes and a more “collapsed” nose.
Although these features are considered “shortcomings” according to the general standards of beauty in China, the overall combination is considered extremely classy and sultry.
Celebrities who have this face type are Shu Qi (舒淇) and Ni Ni (倪妮).
When it comes to perceptions of beauty in China, the so-called "catfish face" is prized as a standard.
Fox face (ç‹ç‹¸è„¸, húlíliÇŽn)
As the name suggests, the fox face consists of various “foxy” attributes. Foxy eyes, an “M” shaped upper lip, and a sharper and more angular curve to the mouth and eyes. The eyebrows and the eyes are almost obliquely parallel and slightly pointed.
Good examples of celebrities who are considered to have this type of face are Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) and Jenny Zhang (å¼ å˜‰å€ª).
The “fox face” is just one of the many different face types recognized by Chinese netizens.
Goose egg face (鹅蛋脸, édànliÇŽn)
Also sometimes referred to as a melon seed face (ç“œå脸, guÄzÇliÇŽn), this is the traditional symbol of beauty in China.
It’s a small face, with a soft but slightly pointy chin paired with slightly rounded cheekbones with soft lines. The facial curve is oval, and fuller, very much like a melon seed or egg.
It is said that you are beautiful if your face meets the following criteria: egg shaped, narrow jaw, small mouth and lips, large round eyes with double eyelids, and a nose with high bridge.
Frog face (é’蛙脸, qÄ«ngwÄliÇŽn)
Frog face is generally relegated to the not-so-attractive category. But luckily, some view it as “cute” and find what are often said to be its negative traits endearing.
The hallmarks of a “frog face” are big protruding eyes, wide double eyelids, a big mouth and a short chin.
Chinese actresses Jing Tian (景甜) and Xin Zhilei (辛芷蕾) are good examples of what is referred to as "frog face (é’蛙脸, qÄ«ngwÄliÇŽn)" in China.
Shoe horn face (éž‹æ‹”å脸, xiébázÇliÇŽn)
As you might have guessed from the name, this type of face is considered very unattractive. It consists of a very large chin that curves out, and a flatter nose.
In China, large chins are generally considered unattractive, so chin shaving surgery is a popular option (more on that later).
However, some netizens say that the side profile of this face shape looks like a crescent moon, making it somewhat cute and endearing in its own way.
Skin care
White skin has long been a symbol of beauty in China and in many other Asian countries. Walk down the streets of China on a sunny day and you will see women (and men) carrying an umbrella to shield themselves from the sun. Tanning is not a trend in China and the whiter your skin, the better. Read More...
