Pulse

'Easier to steal art than pants'

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-19 08:00

Since the break-in at the Forbidden City, the historic complex has been entangled in scandals. What's your opinion on the theft and news the complex is being used as a private club?

You know what, it's just five or 10 minutes' walk from my home to the north gate of the Forbidden City. The complex is the largest in China in terms of historical importance and the relics it houses, so I was shocked when I heard about the theft. I imagined what the thief would be like, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I found out he was just a young opportunist. I don't understand how a museum with the tightest security in the country can make such a stupid mistake. Why is it easier to steal from the Forbidden City than snatch underwear from a supermarket? If you ask me, I say security forces need to watch more foreign movies about art thieves. That would be a lot of help. What made me more angry was the news about the private club. The Forbidden City is a great piece of heritage passed down from generation to generation - it used to be the emperor's private palace, it's not supposed to be a community center for anyone rich enough to rent it. I don't think the French would start using the Louvre in Paris as a club enjoyed by only a few people. We shouldn't either.

May 18 is International Museum Day. Do you often go to museums? Is there any you would recommend for someone with a day to spare?

Well, it'd be hard to pick just one, as there are so many in Beijing now. However, I would recommend the Military Museum near the city's West Railway Station. I have no particular reason but it will be easy to understand if you're a military fan like me and greatly interested in weapons and military knowledge. To tell you the truth, the last time I went there was during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). So I don't know what it looks like now. If you chat with Beijingers, you'll find a lot of them will tell you they never go to the Forbidden City (also known as the Palace Museum) or the Great Wall. For a start, these museums are near their homes and people think they can go anytime. Another factor is that today people are so stressed about work. They want to stay at home on their days off, not go to a museum, or otherwise they hang out in shopping malls.

Want the inside track from METRO's talkative taxi driver Dou Keying? E-mail your questions to metrobeijing@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 05/19/2011)