Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jason Brenner — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:27:00 GMT

I was in the forbidden city about 6 months ago and there was a starbucks sign. It was without the usual logo, but there was a sign that said "STARBUCKS COFFEE". They must have pulled it down recently. I have a piocture of the sign, should anyone wnat to see it.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Emory Anderson, London — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:29:54 GMT

Thank goodness that sign didn't show. That would have been ferociously tacky and out of place. From whithin the Forbidden City, you can see no modern signs of life outside. One reason is because, when China asked IM Pei to design a skyscraper nearby, he refused to make it as high as originally specified, or otherwise you'd see it from inside. This has preserved the feeling you get in that absolutely unique and amazing place.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jen, Chicago — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:55:41 GMT

I was at the Starbucks in the Forbidden City 7 months ago and the sign was there. The workers became angry when we took pictures of the place. No pictures were allowed inside. It is VERY small in there.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Bill Shorey,Millinocket,Maine — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:58:01 GMT

I first visited the Forbiden City in 1946,it was in bad repair but still awe inspiring as was much of Peiking history.Its a shame to see it comercialized,especially with a gift shop and a western coffee shop.Age prevents my return.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Ted Albert, Oklahoma City, OK — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:59:07 GMT

I was there in late Frb '06 and the it was clearly labled Starbucks Coffee. My Wife and I laughed at the fact that it was so out of place. Infact it was one of the first western chains we saw in China.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Amanda — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:11:56 GMT

I was in the Forbidden City in September 2005, and "Starbucks Coffee" was clearly visible in large letters across the top of the building. They must have removed it in their efforts to ready the city and historical sites for the 2008 Olympics.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Aaron Hurvitz — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:12:33 GMT

I went to the Forbidden City three times during this past summer, and couldnt find the Starbucks. With the mystery and allure of the Forbidden City, its disappointing to know that they allowed a Western Corporation to commercialize the place. I truly with it wasnt there.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Kraig Blackwelder, Chicago, Illinois — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:26:33 GMT

I agree with the woman who believes that there should be a Chinese-owned tea house in the Forbidden City instead of a Starbucks. Imagine the uproar if we put a French-owned bistro in the White House or some other great American icon. Americans really do have ridiculous kneejerk nationalistic tendencies, but they never understand that people in other countries feel the same way. By the same token, if I went all the way to China to get a sense of Chinese history and, I'll admit it, a taste of the exotic, I would be very, very disappointed to see a Starbucks in the Forbidden City.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Tracy, Chicago, IL — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:50:49 GMT

I visited the Forbidden City in July of 2004 and was heartbroken to see the familiar Starbucks logo within the walls. I too have a picture of a clearly marked Starbucks sign on the window. It was disappointing to see how far American culture can creep.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

John S.,orlando,FL. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:54:05 GMT

who really cares, I want to see something I buy made in USA instead of china. Some day they might own us.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Steven Soo, Los Angeles — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:17:40 GMT

I visited the Forbidden City around Spring 2006 and I also stumbled upon the Starbucks as well by accident. If I recall correctly, the store is on the east side, just north of the Archery Pavillion. It is very easy to miss, because the only indication of a Starbucks there are the words "Starbucks Coffee" in English and Chinese on the top window in front. In fact, the first time I saw it, I thought that it must have been some sort of rip-off of Starbucks because the sign actually looked kind of old and dusty, so I was shocked when I went inside and realized that it was actually a Starbucks. I've gotten quite a bit of mileage telling that story to people over the past year!

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Astrochronic — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:19:28 GMT

Its too bad companies like Starbucks dont show the same consideration in the U.S. Commercialism, American style could learn a lesson from this. The design of a McDonalds or other franchise is often over exaggerated, ugly and disparite from the surrounding buildings or architecture. It would seem in China that that sort of marketing has been proven unnecassary. The fact that there is a Starbucks in a museum in the Forbidden City is of little consequence. "It's housed inside the Palace Museum Gift Shop and lacks any Starbucks signage." I bet there are plenty of similar vendors in many American museums or near national monuments. There is nothing what so ever wrong with that. The point is as long as they limit thier signage and dont corrupt or disturb the surrounding design then they are not commercialising the Forbidden city with western corporate influence. That is just anti-capitolistic, anti-American nonsense. They are providing a service that is clearly in demand. Period.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Edward, Houston, Texas — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:22:14 GMT

If the Chinese people didn't buy the coffee, the store would not be there. You're disappointed to see how far American culture can creep? Really? The Chinese love American culture. They love blue jeans, Pizza Hut, and American movies... And lucky for me a lot of the girls like American men. :) Why do you think the Chinese love American culture and you don't? Stop wallowing in your own mis-placed guilt and be thankful you live in a country that other people want to emulate.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Randall Heyde, Rochester, Indiana — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:22:15 GMT

I went with a group from my school (DePauw University) to China this past month. While in the Forbidden City, I did not personally see the sign or any indication of Starbucks. I can see how Starbucks in the Forbidden City could be viewed in two different ways. The first being it is a place full of history and beauty. It truly is a place of its own, matched by nothing I have seen. However, the opposing viewpoint could also be that China is a place full of history. Everywhere we visited we were overwhelmed with the amount of history and detail of the architecture and knowledge. Yet, there were Starbucks everywhere. I agree that the Forbidden City is an amazing place that should be preserved, but I can understand the other side of the argument as well.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Shawn B., Laramie, Wyoming — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:24:43 GMT

My wife and I were in the Forbidden City in August of 2001 and still recall our surprise at finding Starbucks there. Though it clearly seemd out of place, we were glad at least that it was tucked away in part of the local architecture. I do recall seeing a sign, though.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Penny O — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:25:38 GMT

To the people who are against the Starbucks in the Chinese Forbidden City, funny that they are so opposed to this, but somehow its okay for every item to buy to say "Made in China". Can't we see a little equilibium here?

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Scott ,Louisville, Ky. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:29:04 GMT

At $5 + a cup of coffee WHO can afford to go to China??? But honestly... from reading some of the other entries it seems as if it is a big draw item in the ancient city..sounds like a good investment to help draw people into the place. Just a thought.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Astrochronic — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:30:17 GMT

I am not one bit saddened, demoralised or disheartened by an American company opening shop in the Forbidden City. I am more disturbed by the fact that we have such a huge trade defecit with China and everything seems to be made in China these days. Good for Starbucks. I wonder how they managed to negotiate such a contract. It would seem like a bit of an accomplishment. Maybe we should be congradulating Starbucks and China on thier ability to comprimise on such a sensitive dilemma instead of condemning all things of corporate America and decrying the imagined "contamination" of the Forbidden city. It would be a welcomed and familiar sight for me. I would be stuck by the cooperation between cultures not by the mispercieved "audacity" of American capitalism.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jimbo A.,Northville,Mich — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:47:31 GMT

Does it truly matter? Let the Chinese people/ Chinese government decide on their own capitialistic business's to open. It doesn't seem to have all the unnecessary signage to block the historical beauty of the "Forbidden City".

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jason Budday, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:53:50 GMT

Yes, Virginia, there is a Starbucks in the Forbidden City. I was there in April and stumbled upon it on a cold and rainy day but it closes early so it was empty. I was shocked to see a symbol of American culture in a place with so much importance to the Chinese but I was more suprised by the fact that the signs describing most buildings in the Forbidden City were sponsored by American Express! I have pictures to prove it.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Martha Garland, Columbia TN — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:01:11 GMT

I've never been to China; however, I will say whenever I do go someplace unfamiliar, Starbucks is one of the first things I look for. I think it would put a smile on my face to see such a familiar place so far away from home. I also don't find it offensive when they serve chinese food in our cafeteria at the GM plant in Spring Hill!

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jeffrey Quinn, Regina, Canada — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:03:39 GMT

Okay, I'm not exactly the biggest fan of Starbucks. I'm a much bigger fan of cultural preservation. In fact, I spend a number of hours per week in my hobby of translating Chinese books to English. However, I'm something of a realist. Maintaining China's vast physical heritage is very expensive. I believe a limited amount of controlled commercial development in heritage sights should be allowable. If rent from Starbucks allows for maintenance that otherwise wouldn't happen, it is probably the lesser evil. The few times I've been to the Forbidden City in the late 90's, there were soft-drink vendor carts selling various Chinese and Western brand drinks, so branding is not exactly new there. For anyone who has never visited the Forbidden City, it consists of a number of large halls in a walled compound. There are numerous outbuildings attached to the walls, which were used as guardrooms, storage, offices for minor functionaries, etc. At the time I was there, most of these outbuildings were empty and closed off. A few were converted to washrooms and maintenance functions such as electric junctions for lighting the large halls. If the Starbucks was in a main hall, or if a new building was built to house it, I'd have a complaint. However, it seems to be in one of the minor outbuildings, which would otherwise be empty, and inconspicuous. Flush toilets and electricity weren't part of the original plan or function either, but I don't hear anyone complaining about their (likely more destructive) addition. While I'd prefer a traditional tea house as well as the Starbucks, in my opinion the criteria for what businesses should be allowed inside heritage properties is their overall "corporate citizenship"; ie, whether or not they are evil. As far as coffee companies go, Starbucks at worst falls into the "least evil" category. Many of my favourite corporate targets, such as Starbucks, KFC & Walmart, tend to be among the best unskilled service jobs available in China.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Ed O — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:03:58 GMT

The obvious thought here is the government of China thinks an American style coffee will somehow seduce the minds of the people of the Forbidden City. Gasp, they may drink less green tea. Choice can be dangerous. The next thing might be people demanding the right to vote or something crazy like that. It seems the only American culture the government there likes is the greenback.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

G. Yeo, Calgary, Canada — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:41:06 GMT

To Edward, Houston, Texas: I really like your commnets. I read it again and again. I have no commnets; I smile, and I am still smiling. Well done.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Patricia Sheffield Houston, Texas — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:43:04 GMT

My husband and I were there last April.We were very surprised to see it in such a revered place. We were even more surprised to see a lot of the Chinese visitors drinking it while they toured the "The Forbidden City". We didn't imbibe it though!!

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Mark R. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:00:42 GMT

Personally, I don't like their coffee so I could care less if it stays or goes!!! Now dunkin donuts - that's a great cup of JAVA in my mind!

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

John Salayda, Franklinville, NJ — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:07:55 GMT

I don't really see what all the hoopla is about. It isn't as though Starbucks could have put the store there by force. Since the Chinese allowed the store to be there why do some of you feel it is such a "shame" that Starbucks would dare to operate there. The Chinese Govt obviously doesn't object to it being there. Sounds like a bunch of "Westerner" bashing to me.....

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Karl Schmidt, Brookings, South Dakota — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:14:04 GMT

This isn't such a new story, I'm afraid. I was in China in September 2005 and took this photo: http://international.sdstate.edu/digitalimagery/Starbucks%20in%20the%20Forbidden%20City.jpg

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Vincent, New York, NY — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:14:40 GMT

Let me turn the issue around...If a Chinese company wanted to put a sign on the Statue of Liberty you would all be outraged...

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Eric — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:36:10 GMT

If they don't want a Starbucks in the Forbidden City, they should remove it. Case closed. Sign or no sign, doesn't matter. If it's such a problem, remove the store. duh.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Nan, Colorado Springs — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:38:57 GMT

I'm glad that the look and feel and tradition was preserved. When my husband and I went to London, we were disappointed at all the Starbucks and Burger King signage everywhere. We kept saying, "THIS is not British!"

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Kyle Burk — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:48:28 GMT

It's interesting that everyone seems uncomfortable with the presence of Starbucks in the forbidden city, but no one says exactly why other than "it looks tacky". I guess everyone latently recognizes that the homogenization of culture is leading to the destruction of difference--a global system of total equivalence. Soon culture will just mean that the Starbucks you're in will have different wallpaper patterns. Capital will continue to destroy the symbolic, but maybe only temporarily...

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Emily M., Orlando, FL — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:42:49 GMT

As a Starbucks employee, I have yet to work for a company that cares so much about their product/service and employees. Because of this, I'm always extremely happy when I hear about other Starbucks opening up around the world and offering new jobs.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Sandy, Selah, Wash. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:44:13 GMT

I was there in 2005, and it isn't easy to find because you pretty much have to go through the entire tour before you get there. I wasn't expecting it, but it was a welcome site as I needed an iced mocha and there it was! I even bought a t-shirt there as I was so surprised.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

AJK Northern New York — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:49:21 GMT

Well, someone in China thought Starbucks in the Forbidden City was a good idea - and probobly made some $$ off the deal...it is a shame about commercialism in places such as this - but don't blame the USA as a whole for Starbucks Executives taking another chance at global expansion - buisness is business and it pisses some people off - and doesn't raise an eyebrow for others.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jonathan — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:01:08 GMT

Ho-hum. Much ado about nothing. Why is everyone so upset about another drug and its addicts? (Ooo! Did I blaspheme against the sacred dirty brown bean-water brew?) Besides, eventually China will own Starbucks (and everything else) and the familiar twin tails will be replaced with hands holding guns to the mermaid's head.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Matthew w. Nichols, Mililani, Hawaii — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:14:41 GMT

My wife who is from the Canton District took me to Beijing back in 2004 and the second day there we traveled to the forbidden city which she as a young college student had been to several times back in the mid 90's. As we were looking around outside the city and about to enter it I made a dopey little comment to her about how I would go nuts if we were to walk into the Forbidden City and find a starbucks. Ha, Ha 40 minutes into our walk around the city this being October and a bit chilly to me since I am from Hawaii I said lets see if we can find a place to get a warm cup of tea and then all of a sudden right near the Hall of Preserving Harmony I FREAK and say "honey look behind you" and she just erupts in laughter as we see clearly in the window you have pictured up above the vinyl logo of Starbucks. So yes it is there and yes they have taken down the logo but there was also a movable sign outside the front door. By the way out of all of the starbucks I have ever been to, there’s was the best dam cup of Joe I have ever tasted. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been in cold weather in a long time. I do remember an article I read stating that Starbucks goal was to really have a shop on every corner in the world, looks like they’re really trying to do it. But come on what’s next? I am going back this winter in 2007 just before the Olympics go there am I going to find a McDonalds across from the Starbuck’s in the Forbidden City? I can tell you Chinese LOVE McDonalds. God help us all... Corporate America is killing old fasion Values and Culture

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Buddy Viers Sherman, Texas — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:28:49 GMT

I visited the Forbidden City while in Peiping on 31 August and 1 September 1948. I do not recall any type of business being operated within the Forbidden City. I had never heard of Starbucks but with vodka at .25 cents (American equivalant to China rate of 12,000,000 yuen to $1.00 American) a bottle who would be drinking coffee.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Richard Oberreiter, Newport Beach, CA — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:35:10 GMT

When my wife and I were in the Forbidden City were amused at the site of a Starbucks. It was the only decent place to get a refreshment and they had great themed coffee mugs. So, why all the upset people? How different it this from other vendors at museums and cultural sites? I think those that are demanding the removal of this store are being a hypocritical.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

MICHAEL EAVENSON — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:44:51 GMT

its ok for the chianese to open stores in the u.s.a but god forbid we open somting in china. the hell with china BUY AMERICAN

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Stella Gee — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:04:45 GMT

While it may not fit with Chinese culture, obviously SOME authority in China approved the Starbucks location. That said, I wish Americans would stop being so PC - showing so much deference and respect for other cultures and so little for our own. Almost everything we buy is stamped made in China. U.S. Manufacturing is almost non-existent but we're so worried about Starbucks coffee at the Forbidden City? Give me a break.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Luis. P, Miami, FL — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:27:02 GMT

Let's face it, we are talking about a society that is still communist. The Chinese would remove the store if they felt like it. We all might agree that a huge sign or anything of the sort would be heinous whether it was on Lady Liberty, the Forbidden City, or any historical site. But if they locate it somewhere out of the way, and by all accounts it is not that easy to find, then who cares. The need is there and almost everyone knows what supply and demand is. Let's use our head people.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Keith Cash, Montevallo Alabama — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:37:24 GMT

The old saying is "I would walk a mile for a Starbucks" or something like that. Now the saying goes "I would walk 10,000 miles.... Good to see they enjoy a good coffee too. Cheers

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jim, Southern California — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:38:22 GMT

Edward from Houston, Texas sums it up best.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Bill Smith, Chicago, Illinois — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:45:36 GMT

Last summer I visited the shop with my wife and daughter. I knew it was a Starbucks because my daughter had been there before, but I cannot recall seeing an outdoor sign. The coffee was definitely Starbucks. The gift shop inside was really nice.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Bob, Bethesda, MD — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:23:02 GMT

I am convinced that anyone whining about how awful it is to have Starbucks in the Forbidden City hasn't actually been there. The Forbidden City isn't a single monument - it's a precinct within a large city. 175 Acres. Building after building, block after block. It's not just huge, it's enormous. This is not akin to putting a logo on the Statue of Liberty or opening a French Bistro in the White House. The aforementioned are monuments. The Forbidden City is a district and it has its own monuments, too. The Starbucks in the Forbidden City is tucked in a corner, deep in the city. (As a result, it is hard to find, but not impossible.) As examples, do you think there isn't a Starbucks within a few blocks of the White House? Ever notice that there is a McDonald’s within blocks of almost every major tourist destination around the world? This is not new - this has been happening for decades. (P.S. - The sign was definitely there in August 2006. I saw it.)

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Cameron Crandall Coeur d'Alene, Idaho — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:45:09 GMT

I visited the forbidden city in March of '06. I happened to stumble upon quite on accident, but when I was there it had the classic green star bucks sign and was clearly visible, but with China it's impossible to say what's changed and what's stayed the same.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Stephen Maltempi, Jersey City, NJ — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:21:22 GMT

I think it's great that a little piece of America made it into the most sacred place in China. USA! USA! USA!

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Katie, Newport Beach, Ca — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:02:50 GMT

I am going to China in a fwe months and one of the sights I have planned is a trip to the Forbidden City. I am appaled and disgusted with the greed of the Starbucks company. It is one thing to have a kiosk outside or arround the city, it is compleetly another to have one in it. This is a world history site that should be treated with revrence, not prostituted.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

John D. — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:49:18 GMT

While it was novel to be in west Germany and have a Quarter Pounder with Cheese(tm) and a Beer, I would not go to the Forbidden City for a Starbucks, but then I wouldn't go to Starbucks anywhere else either. I am amused that this is getting so much American press, let the Chinese decide if they want the store or not. Let's face it, we can't run the whole world, yet.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

F.G. Yeo, Calgary, Alberta — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:16:30 GMT

This column is very interesting. I would like to let all know that about a month ago, a friend of mine from Beijing (Peking) would like to meet with me in downtown Calgary. I asked her "where?", she replied "Sing Parh Kerk". I said "where?", she replied again "Sing Parh Kerk". Oh.... I knew, "Star" translated to Chinese was pronounced as "Sing", "Bucks" in Chinese was pronounced as "Parh Kerk". I am sure all English speaking people have heard this name "Sing Parh Kerk" everywhere in China! What a beautiful translation/ pronunciation! "Sing Parh Kerk". Well done.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

othmar brunner Vancouver, B.C. — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:29:34 GMT

Makes me laugh, the chinese think it is ok to have everything made in their country and than flood the world with their cheap goods as part of the chinese commercialism. How dare they make comments such as why does,nt starbucks show some respect and do'nt build starbucks in china. OK why do'nt all american corporations operating in china close down their businesses, let's stop importing cheap chinese goods and let the chinese go back to their own old way.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Tim, Bethesda, Md — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:51:52 GMT

There sure are some snarky responses to this. Like the one about a, " little piece of America made it into the most sacred place in China." Remember, China is by definition a Communist nation, thus it is also officially an atheist nation. (If you doubt that, next time you visit, put a Bible or a Koran in your luggage. It will be confiscated, you will be interrogated, maybe arrested.) There is no such thing as 'sacred' there. The really cool thing is that they fitted the obnoxious Starbucks into a nice, quiet little niche. Thus forcing it to be more mom and pop coffee house than obnoxiously American behemoth. This is a good thing! It shows we are not in fact, trying to run the whole world, but can fit in nicely to another society. Thus the myth of the "ugly american" may one day be disposed of. This is also a good thing.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

HT Phila, PA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:02:12 GMT

I think one thing westerners as well as many young chinese forget is that China has been assimilating multiculture and ethnic behaviors business practices and entertainment for 5000 years now. "Chinese" purity is no more "pure" than a "Pure" american. There are chinese with blue eyes, red or blond hair etc. The Roman empire regularly traded with China as well as the Persians, Africans etc over the last 5 millenia. The fact that American is now the darling of China isn't surprising as chinese and China simply want to prosper and regain their rightful place on the world stage. The fact that younger chinese find a Starbucks in the Forbidden City offensive or that many chinese want to emmulate western culture is neither surprise or at odds with each other. As China expands and awakens to the world again it will do as it has in its past history. That is take in what it considers "good" and disregard what it doesn't think is "good". The younger people in China today have a sense of national pride but a lack of self identity. They don't want to identify with the Maoist years because they were too harsh and violent and impoversished yet they also don't want to identify with the West because they want to be what they are- Chinese. So inevitably the "new" chinese are striving to regain their sense of indentity and reclaim their heritage. As such Starbucks in the Forbidden City is just a way of focusing on their own identity and a means to say "this is not Chinese".

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Jane Doe, Miami Florida — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:23:48 GMT

Starbuck....Smarbucks...can understand why they took the sign down..its just coffee..get over it people.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Mary, Indiana — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:11:18 GMT

I heard that Starbucks was allowed (encouraged?) to open the store because China needed money to repair/maintain their buildings. Starbucks didn't just barge in. I was under the impression that since China doesn't need the income anymore, they've decided Starbucks doesn't belong there. Starbucks isn't any different than any other American company that wants to get into a new market, and they had the opportunity and took it. Chinese companies have done the same thing in America, and we haven't tried to kick them out.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Leah, Vancouver, B.C. — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 03:08:01 GMT

To Katie from Newport Beach. It isn't Sbux fault they were granted permission to be there so why is it so disgusting? Most people don't even find the place and it is no different than finding another coffee company in there. Does anyone say anything when there are strip malls totally devoted to Asian shops in North America? Let up and enjoy your visit, no one is asking you to go in and enjoy some quality coffee. Sbux is a leader in business and they obviously respect where they are as they do in alot of other places. I am sure setting up was not easy to do there. They are also a great company to work for.

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

Dave, Chicago, IL — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:17:47 GMT

I impressed to see how much the Communist China progress in past 20 years congratulation to American supported the Communist China by given them jobs, special tax status so they can sell their "Junk" products in American market with out to pay a penny of tax to UA Government. I hope soon the communist not take over America. P/S when President Bush went to VN 2 months ago, he wore Vietneames "Ao Day" men dresses and stood below "Ho Chi Minh" portrait, he looks like a very clown & surrendered to Communist. P/S Go Bears

Forbidden City Starbucks not so obvious

maz, Singapore — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 07:15:47 GMT

I read about the debate before my scheduled (Jan 07) visit in Beijing so I was determined to check out the Starbucks in Forbidden City. To my dismay- the mini Starbucks outlet was sooo inconspicuous(sigboard reads COFFEE BAR and operates as part of a tourist shop with a capacity for max 5-6 ppl).
THEN!!! there was this full fledged LAVAZZO cafe a few meters down the hall way with outstanding signboard and great bar and has a much greater seating capacity than most restaurants and cafes in Forbidden City.

Extracted reasoning from Rui- "cafe undermined the 'solemnity of the Forbidden City and (trampled on) Chinese culture" ????