The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is planning to set up a new service area to spare the overburdened Imperial Garden, museum director Shan Jixiang said on Wednesday.

A typical classic Chinese garden, the Imperial Garden is the last stop on the itinerary of the museum and is one of the most crowded areas. It is currently occupied by several food and beverage stores. The place is more like a dining and rest area than a proper classic garden at the moment, Shan said.

New service centers will be set up on each side of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, which is near the Imperial Garden. Food stores in the Imperial Garden will be replaced by souvenir shops selling books and cultural products on the Palace Museum, echoing the beauty of the garden, Shan said.