Opening up The Palace Museum

The director of the Palace Museum is working tirelessly to improve visitors' experiences at the World Heritage Site and protect its ancient treasures. He talks to Wang Kaihao about his passion for this unique symbol of China.

Shan Jixiang, 60, may have done something never achieved by any of the Forbidden City's former royal residents. After taking the position of director of the Palace Museum in 2012, he has been to all 9,000 temples, halls and rooms in the world's biggest palace complex and wooden architectural complex.

"I can barely take a single day off all year. I have to constantly walk around the palace to scrutinize every corner," a smiling Shan says. "Being the person in charge of such a museum with such complex needs, rich history and intense attention from around the world, you cannot expect to sleep well."