Breathing New Life: Palace Museum's Zero-Waste Initiative Enhances Heritage Site

The Palace Museum's Green Transformation

A Historic Landmark Embraces Sustainability

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Palace Museum, a site steeped in over 600 years of history and culture, is taking bold steps towards sustainability. Known for its awe-inspiring architecture and rich heritage, this iconic museum is adapting to modern challenges with its groundbreaking 'zero-waste' initiative launched in January 2020. With an average of over 10 million visitors each year, the pressure on resources and waste management is immense. Yet, it is within this challenge that the Palace Museum has found an opportunity to innovate and inspire.

The Genesis of the Initiative

The 'Zero Waste at the Palace Museum' project aims not only to minimize waste but also to educate visitors on sustainable practices. During the 7th Taihe Forum, held on October 11, 2025, the concept of green development was the focal point, showcasing the museum's commitment to a greener future. Special attention was given to the museum's refined waste sorting system, which has expanded from four categories into seven, allowing the museum to categorize even the smallest items effectively. Each piece of waste now has a designated bin, ensuring that recycling efforts are maximized.

For example, every discarded plastic bottle finds new life in the form of creative products that visitors can purchase as souvenirs. This initiative highlights not only waste reduction but also the recycling of materials into culturally significant items.

Eco-Friendly Innovations

Wu Di, the Director of the Department of Cultural Products at the museum, elaborated on some innovative items such as tote bags crafted from recycled mineral water bottles. These products are not only functional but also serve as symbols of environmental consciousness. Each tote bag carries not only the story of its creation from nine recycled bottles but also metrics on carbon reduction, emphasizing a total cut of 630 grams of carbon emissions. Such products marry cultural education with eco-friendliness, embodying a new trend that blends functionality with fashion.

The Palace Museum's gift shops now feature a range of sustainable products, allowing visitors to take a piece of this green initiative home—a true 'green memory' of their visit.