More than 460,000 bees covered a Chinese beekeeper's semi-naked body in a publicity stunt aimed at selling more honey, he told Agence France-Presse on Thursday.
Using a technique known as "bee bearding," a 34-year-old honey merchant from the southwestern Chinese metropolis of Chongqing, covered himself in bees that collectively weighed more than 100 pounds, he said.
A group of French photographers were given a chance to capture She Ping's remarkable moment on Wednesday.
Indian Vipel Seth holds the world record for wearing a mantle of bees weighing 61.4kg (135 lbs.) in a bee bearding global contest, according to Guinness World Records' official video channel.
"Pictures of She's stunt show him posing topless beside more than a dozen blue hives, before the insects swarm over his body, which appears to be protected only by a plastic bag placed over his head," AFP reported.
The bees are generally attracted to participants, as they place a queen bee in a small cage and hang it on their bodies.
"To be honest I felt very nervous, but I do it to promote my honey," Ping said, adding: "I'm used to dealing with bees... and started these activities when I was about 22."
In 2009, a pair of beekeepers got married in northwest China while covered in suits of bees, reports said.
"To be honest I feel very nervous, but I do it to promote my honey," Ping said, adding that he was stung more than 20 times during the 14-minute stunt.
"The main preparation is avoiding taking a shower, especially avoiding using soap because it can excite the bees," he said.
Even though Ping failed to make a world record then, he claims that he holds the record for carrying out the stunt without any clothes, AFP reported.
"Of the people who do it naked, I'm probably the most awesome," he said.
