Shan Jixiang (Chinese: 单霁翔), the famous Chinese architect who served as curator of the Palace Museum between 2012 and 2019, attended the 3rd Palace Museum Forum held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2019. During the forum, he shared the story behind the rejuvenation of the Palace Museum.

Only four days after his retirement announcement, Shan got new ‘jobs’. He was hired as a consultant of China (Ningbo) Featured Culture Industry Expo and a construction planning consultant of Creative Ningbo 2022 Project.

Shan is known for his renovation work of the Palace Museum. Under his guidance, progress has been made in the Palace Museum. By carrying out modernization measures such as introducing electronic tickets, a virtual museum and free-admission days, visitor experience is improved to a great extend.

In addition, the museum developed creative cultural products and organized Forbidden City-themed activities, bringing the Chinese cultural relics closer to people’s lives. Owe to Shan’s deep understanding of culture and the impressive renovation work he has done, the Palace Museum has gone viral on social media and gained wide popularity among youngsters. Shan is now a celebrity on Chinese media.

According to a public announcement from the Palace Museum, Shan Jixiang retired on April 8, 2019.