Recently, American designer Rick Owens, known for his gothic and avant-garde aesthetics, visited the Forbidden City in Beijing with his wife and friends. Following the visit, a companion took to social media to express frustration, claiming that the group was asked to leave due to their attire. This incident sparked considerable debate.
Photos circulating on social media show a woman in the group with a bald head, painted completely white from head to face with black around the eyes. Another bald man sported exaggerated black lipstick and eye makeup, creating a strikingly unconventional appearance.
Responses among Chinese netizens varied. Some supported the decision to deny them entry, stating comments like, “They shouldn’t have been allowed in,” and “Visitors should respect Chinese culture.” Instances were shared by users who mentioned similar experiences abroad where they were encouraged to leave due to inappropriate clothing, underscoring the importance of respecting local customs and culture.
Conversely, some praised the group’s unique style, calling it art. Comments like “This look is so cool” and “Freedom of expression in attire should be respected, and the Forbidden City has its right to refuse” were prominent. However, counters emerged emphasizing that “while personal expression is important, adapting to the cultural expectations of a place shows understanding and respect for local traditions.”
In an exclusive interview with China News Service, Li Huiyun, an assistant researcher at the Chinese Academy of Tourism Research, noted that museums are at the forefront of blending culture and tourism. They serve as shared spaces where those rich cultural resources, systemic knowledge, and quality service come together, offering a meaningful experience for both residents and visitors. Li stressed that visitors should respect local customs and behave appropriately to enhance their cultural experience.
She also pointed to global travel trends, mentioning that visiting places with cultural significance often comes with behavioral expectations. For instance, the Vatican Museums require visitors to wear appropriate attire, prohibiting shorts and sleeveless tops. “In fact, we need to balance the economic and social dimensions of tourism with cultural development and civilizational evolution,” she remarked.
An online user, “DuanDuan,” suggested that a sign prohibiting overly eccentric clothing should be placed in such solemn locations, stressing that “the premise of artistic expression is respect.”
It’s worth noting that the visiting guidelines for the Forbidden City clearly state, “Please maintain neat attire. Avoid actions that are detrimental to the image or have negative visual impacts.” Ultimately, the basis of mutual appreciation lies in understanding and respect, ensuring a harmonious cultural exchange.
