Forbidden City bans lighters, matches

BEIJING - Visitors to Beijing's Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, are not allowed to carry cigarette lighters or matches from Wednesday.

Shan Jixiang, the curator, said the move will further help eliminate any potential fire risks at the museum, after it went smoke-free on May 18.

"Cigarette ends were hard to find in the Forbidden City after the smoke ban," Shan said.

The museum said its staff are not allowed to smoke, regardless of being indoors or outdoors within the grounds. Anyone violating the smoke ban will face punishment, a regulation said.

Meanwhile, the ancient bell that was damaged by a man on May 4 has been partially repaired, the museum said.