Forbidden City opens earlier

The Palace Museum has released new visiting times for the Forbidden City in anticipation for the rise in summer crowds, reported the Beijing Times.

From July 5 to August 24, the Forbidden City will be open to visitors 30 minutes earlier than usual; opening at 8 am and closing at 5 pm. To cater to the expected large number of visitors during the summer vacation period, more ticket booths will be opened along with all side entrances.

New emergency precautions have also been put in place, with a new emergency headquarters established to hold 75 more guards. Aid stations within the museum will provide medical services, with contingency plans formed to prevent fires, thefts, riots and terrorist attacks.