With Beijing lowering its public health emergency response from second to third level starting July 20, the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, announced it will gradually reopen to the public from July 21 with a limited number of visitors, including outdoor and indoor sections.

An ID card is needed to buy tickets via advance online reservation, and an 8,000-visitor daily capacity has been set, with 5,000 allowed before 1 pm and 3,000 afterward.

Visitors' body temperature will be checked before they enter, and they are required to wear face masks in the museums. "Green" QR codes on their mobile phones, signifying good health, are required, and they must maintain 1-meter social distance.