NO LONGER SO FORBIDDING

In this feature for the NYT, I write about how the Forbidden City is opening up, in step with the government’s efforts to promote traditional culture.

The article is the result of several visits to the Palace Museum over the past few months, during which I was struck by how much more of it is now open to the public, making it more of a happening place in Beijing. The government even agreed to move out an army unit–quite unusual. 

Thanks to Cong Yan for her photos and the editing team for its work.