"The Palace Museum is worn out. The museum received 15.34 million people this past year. Its ancient buildings, artifacts and security system have all been pushed beyond their capacities. This new measure will give them a little break."

SHAN JIXIANG, Palace Museum director, responding on Wednesday to questions about plans to have the museum closed on Monday afternoons during the off-season.

(China Daily 01/11/2013 page2)