"The Royal Cat Family" to debut in the Forbidden City in December
CGTN

From November, in front of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu) Gate in the Forbidden City, Beijing, a couple of larger-than-life statues from "the royal cat family" have appeared.

Cartoon statues of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

Cartoon statues of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

A cartoon statue of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

A cartoon statue of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

Cartoon statues of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

Cartoon statues of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

Cartoon statues of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

Cartoon statues of "the royal cat family". /VCG Photo

The "the royal cat family" is a group of cats living in the Palace Museum in Beijing. It is said that some of them may be the offspring of the palace's real royal cat in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), some of which are stray cats from other places, and some brought in by tourists. Those cats have spent years helping prevent mice from damaging the ancient wooden buildings. It is also regarded as "cat security" by the staff of the Forbidden City.

In recent years, the Palace Museum has actively developed cultural and creative products, including a popular "royal cat" series.

According to the Palace Museum Online Shopping Gallery, cultural creations featuring "the Royal Cat Family in the Forbidden City", which are based on cats living in the Forbidden City, will be released to the public in late December.