Forbidden City gets its own mobile game

The tweak on the game, a Chinese hit similar to Candy Crush, will be released later this month, and Tencent said it will also encourage its game developers and other candidates to submit ideas for more games themed around the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum.[Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Internet firm Tencent will launch a new version of its most popular video mobile game themed around Beijing's Forbidden City, under a deal with the management of the historic site.

The two sides announced a promotional partnership on Wednesday night.

The tweak on the game, a Chinese hit similar to Candy Crush, will be released later this month, and Tencent said it will also encourage its game developers and other candidates to submit ideas for more games themed around the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum.

Another contest will invite social media users to submit designs of Internet meme "stickers" inspired by the attraction.

Shan Jixiang, curator of the Palace Museum, said the partnership would make use of the Internet and new technology to foster a love of traditional Chinese culture among young people.

Pony Ma, founder and CEO of Tencent, said he hoped it would help promote Chinese culture abroad.