Virtual Forbidden City

The Chinese government has unveiled a new face for arguably the country's most notable historical monument, the Forbidden City (also known as the Forbidden Palace Museum), in the form of an online virtual tour and community. Forbidden City: Beyond Space and Time is an IBM and Beijing Palace Museum collaboration that allows internet users to explore, read, learn, and discuss the Forbidden City in their own homes. All this access for free, I might add (whereas an entrance ticket costs 60 RMB, an English guide 40 RMB, and additional fees for smaller museums inside--all told, about USD 20). The platform is easy to use, the English translations clear and eloquent (gasp!), and the general layout and design very Western.

As part of a broad cultural and social outreach effort to show China to the world, this is one of the boldest innovations and probably affords the most pleasurable experience of exploring the historical site. Surely this isn't the first tour of its kind in the world (Buckingham Palace, Versailles, and many others can be toured virtually for a fee), but it is a sign of the Chinese government's increasing attention to popular opinion around the world. This online portal was not put together in a matter of months like the regulations that it wantonly slaps onto its people--it stems from the unavoidable reality that the internet is the most far-reaching and therefore significant medium for people to learn and interact. Thus, what better way to extend a diplomatic hand in cultural exchange than by providing a free look into a quintessentially Chinese treasure? And, by "most pleasurable," I'm referring to this Forbidden City experience as a peaceful and solitary one; what I really mean is that it's far less interesting because visiting the palace is as much about the wonder and history of the Ming and Qing dynasties as it is about seeing the cross-cultural exchanges that take place.

Until you get to actually go to Beijing, though, do check the site out. It requires a quick registration and download. I'm curious to hear what you think of the usability of the interface and, of course, what you like about the Forbidden City itself (or a comparison of the site versus an actual visit).


Linda Li, '09
lindali@fas.harvard.edu