The often painful art of tattooing is drawing an increasing number of young Chinese. Even the cost of a design, which ranges from around $78 to $235 U.S. dollars didn't diminish the number of enthusiasts at Beijing's Tattoo Convention. And not only does sporting a tattoo enhance one's cool factor -- fans are creating their own unique patterns or finding a design that best matches their personality.
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SOUNDBITE: Zhou Min, 26-year-old tattoo fan, saying (Mandarin): "This pattern is very colourful. It symbolizes the great power of the female leaders in African tribes. That's why I chose it. It's very special. I like it very much." In China, tattooing emerged more than two thousand years ago when words were pierced into prisoner's faces as a form of punishment, and so linked to depravity. And during the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong banned tattoos calling them a manifestation of impurity and antisocial activities. But tattoo artist Yang Qingwen disagrees and says the skin etching is an art form.
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SOUNDBITE: Yang Qingwen, 25-year-old tattoo artist, saying (Mandarin): "The old generations can't accept tattoos. Generally, it's easier for young people to accept and embrace them. It's hard to convince the older generations that the tattoo is an art form." 60 artists were kept busy creating intricate and colourful skin designs. And for this art form, it really is a case of no pain, no gain. Tara Cleary, Reuters.
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