The Forbidden City takes to the high seas

The Palace Museum in Beijing, often referred to as the Forbidden City, has launched a new way of promoting itself internationally, by hosting traditional Chinese cultural events aboard luxury cruises operated by global industry giant Royal Caribbean International.

Shan Jixiang, the museum's director, said related gifts and products will be on display on many ships, and experts from the famous site will also give guest lectures on board, covering its collections, history and an overall appreciation of Chinese art.

The cooperation will start on the Ovation of the Seas, the company's newest ship which launched in the United Kingdom in April and which will be based in Tianjin from June.