Palace Museum to Open New Area to Visitors

The Palace Museum in the heart of Beijing, more popularly known as the Forbidden City, will open its Huangji Palace to the public before the May Day holiday, the museum said Friday.

Huangji Palace, built in 1689, was used to hold ceremonies for emperors after they finished handling state affairs.

According to a statement of the museum, the refurbished palace will open to the public only during major holidays, including the May Day and the National Day holidays and summer holiday.

The Palace Museum will adjust the palace’s opening hours in accordance with weather conditions to protect the safety of its cultural relics, the statement said.

Shan Jixiang, curator of the Palace Museum, said the opening of Huangji Palace is part of the museum’s plan to enlarge the areas for visitors, from about 45 percent at present to 76 percent in the future.

Huangji Palace used to be an exhibition hall where calligraphy works, paintings and jewelry were displayed. The palace no longer functions as a display area since undergoing renovations in 2004.

The Palace Museum will open one hour earlier than usual during the May Day holiday from April 29 to May 1.