Tourists to a scenic spot in southwest China's Guizhou Province may have the opportunity to experience nature more intimately with the opening of a nude-only swimming area by the end of July, the Guizhou City News reported Monday.

The planned site is in a valley along the Fengzhuan River in Duyun, according to sources from a local travel resources development company.

Male and female swimmers will be separated, the Guizhou Metropolis News reported on Monday. Photography is banned and "neatly dressed" spectators are also considered persona non grata.

Though there is no law banning nude swimming or nude beaches in China, the practice is still controversial.

Two years ago, a plan for setting up China's first nude swimming area in east China's Zhejiang Province had to be aborted due to strong public opposition.

Many people expressed their objection to the idea because they think this kind of openness goes too far and should be condemned.

However, there are also supporters for nude swimming.

Wang Lu, a civil servant in Shanghai expressed his understanding of the idea.

"I can accept such an idea. This is just a personal choice for relaxation and a way to be closer with the nature," he told chinadaily.com.cn reporter on Monday.

"As long as the swimmers do no harm to others, I will not oppose it," he added.

However, he said he would not join the nude swimmers himself.

Located in southern Guizhou Province, Duyun city has a rich ethnic culture, with 68 percent of residents belonging to the Miao ethnic minority group. The population around the planned nude-swimming area is sparse and local residents have a long tradition of taking baths in the river during the summer.

(China News Service July 5, 2006)