Forbidden City adopts online-only ticket model

The Palace Museum in Beijing - China's former imperial palace, or Forbidden City - announced on Tuesday that it has begun to sell entry tickets solely through its online booking system, with few exceptions.

The move is designed "to avoid crowds at the box office, reduce waiting time and provide a more comfortable visiting experience", said Shan Jixiang, director of the museum.

Online ticket booking is available on the official website, www.dpm.org.cn.