Behind the veil of the imperial harem

A part of the Forbidden City that was reduced to being a mere warehouse is about to open to the public

On a visit to the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, in Beijing recently I entered through the western gate and unexpectedly walked into a building site.

Building materials were scattered over the yard. Everyone was preparing for the opening of the museum's western area, but the gates leading to the most secret parts were still locked to outsiders.