On March 15, a resident of Guangzhou in southern China was reportedly stopped at a checkpoint by security staff and told she would have to remove her dark, gothic-style make-up if she wanted to board the subway.

Key points: The Guangzhou resident blogged about the incident, and more than 5,000 Chinese Weibo users posted photographic protests

The Guangzhou resident blogged about the incident, and more than 5,000 Chinese Weibo users posted photographic protests Social media users from around the world have also joined in using the #ASelfieForThe GuangzhouMetro hashtag

Social media users from around the world have also joined in using the #ASelfieForThe GuangzhouMetro hashtag Guangzhou Metro has apologised, and the subway employee has been suspended

More than 5,000 Chinese Weibo users shared pictures of themselves in gothic-style make-up. ( Supplied: Sina Weibo )

According to The Guardian, the woman, whose identity has not been revealed, then posted on social media about the incident, saying she was told she would be refused entry if she did not take her make-up off because it could be "distressing" to her fellow passengers.

She was apparently not carrying any prohibited items at the time, and later posted about the incident on her Sina Weibo blog.

The Guardian said Chinese Weibo users had since flocked to support the woman, with more than 5,000 people sharing pictures of themselves with gothic-style make-up and clothing, using the hashtag #ASelfieForTheGuangzhouMetro.

Many people accompanied their selfies with occasionally sarcastic comments, the BBC said.

"I'm on the bus; please hand me the make-up remover," He Jianlu said.

Another Weibo poster, Chunmeng Dingzhi, said: "I've had too many scary experiences on the subway, but I've never made a child feel afraid."

Outraged social media users also said it was their right to choose what they wear, according to the BBC.

"If beauty ideals remain the same, then art will die out," Sansen Chenww said. "I'm not a murderer, an arsonist, I don't smoke or spit in public, I just love gothic dress."

Qin-2Y added: "It's 2019, girls have the right to decide their own hairstyle and make-up, they do not need to seek the approval of strangers."

Goths around the world support Guangzhou woman

The #ASelfieForTheGuangzhouMetro hashtag has moved beyond Weibo to other platforms and beyond China too, with social media users from further afield uploading images on Instagram and Twitter.

Lauren Goodnight in London posted a photo of herself in heavy black eyeliner and lipstick.

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Self-proclaimed "eldergoth, runner, coach and make-up lover" Jane Wilkes from the UK posted this image of herself in blue make-up.

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Instagram user Luxexnihilo said: "This is an assault based on discrimination … why can't I express freely my identity without this kind of harassment?"

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Twitter user Thoryn Greenwitch said: "Brazil supports the goths of China!" and Maaaariyaaaaah in Birmingham in the UK responded to that post with heavily made-up images of herself.

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Another Twitter user with the handle @a_shallow_grave posted this punk-influenced gothic image.

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Passenger took to social media to challenge subway staff

After the incident in Guangzhou, the subway passenger who was questioned about her appearance reportedly posted online that "a female security guard called her manager, and said that my make-up was 'problematic and really horrible'".

A Weibo user who added his photo in support of a woman who was apprehended on the Guangzhou subway. ( Supplied: Weibo )

Guangzhou Metro staff then told her if she wanted to board the subway she would have to take the make-up off.

The Sina News website reported further details of the woman's post on social media after the event, The Guardian said.

"As a Chinese citizen, I'm hoping to use this relatively public platform to challenge the authorities: What laws grant you the right to stop me and waste my time?" she reportedly asked.

"If you are able to cite one, I am willing to pay for a banner to hang at the subway station, which reads: 'People wearing gothic Lolita clothing are not allowed to ride subway'."

Chinese Weibo users have flocked to support the woman using the #ASelfieForTheGuangzhouMetro hashtag. ( Supplied: Weibo )

The Guangzhou Metro staff member who apprehended the woman has reportedly since been suspended after an investigation found the situation was handled inappropriately.

An apology has been issued, and the Guangzhou subway said the employee would receive remedial training when she returned to work, according to the BBC.

Outraged Weibo users reportedly said it was their right to choose what they wear. ( Supplied: Weibo )

Where does the 'gothic Lolita' look come from?

A recent boom in online suppliers offering flamboyant "gothic Lolita" fashions have seen them become a popular form of costume play or "cosplay" and they are increasingly seen in everyday wear, the BBC said.

The Twilight franchise and Japanese manga novels have also supposedly been influential in importing gothic culture to China, which is often referred to there as "Lolita" fashion.

The style, which is apparently popular in Japan, is said to be influenced by Victorian and Edwardian children's clothing — and is increasingly in vogue in China too.

An online supply boom has seen gothic Lolita fashions become popular in cosplay and they're also increasingly seen in everyday wear. ( Reuters: Paul Yeung )

According to The Guardian, goth and emo-style fashions have always been penalised.

"Not for the fashion, but for what it represents: freedom, rebellion, perceived poor health, emotional difference," it said.

Gothic Lolita style, popular in Japan, is apparently influenced by Victorian and Edwardian children's clothing. ( Reuters: Issei Kato )

Goth subculture has also been around in Australia for many years.

One of the challenges facing goths here, however, is how to maintain a commitment to black clothing, heavy footwear, and thick make-up during the often-sweltering summer months.

In 2008, self-described goth and "metalhead" Holly Ladmore told ABC Sydney she was attracted to the subculture through its aesthetic.

"The main thing that's important to goths is to to have a 'look' … it's a different way of living life," she said.

"I don't want to generalise, but goths seem more liberal or open-minded than non-goths.

"I'd also like to say they're less judgmental too, except not when it comes to what people are wearing and their make-up."