Cute figurines in traditional costumes and various kitsch items make the Forbidden City a little less forboding. The Palace Museum is merchandising dolls, piggybanks, spice jars, notebooks, T-shirts, bags and cellphone covers with cartoon mascots in ancient costumes through an online shop favorited by over 100,000 users.

The Forbidden City was a symbol of China's central power during Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), basically serving as the home of imperial families. Twenty-four emperors resided within its walls.

"What we need to do is to connect the cultural relics and modern life with our innovative products," said Qiu Fengqin, director of cultural service center of the museum.

ILLUSION: A doll dressed as a Manchurian prince is propped affront the Forbidden City in Beijing (FENG JIN)

CREATING ROMANCE: Prince and princess dolls watch the moat outside the Forbidden City (FENG JIN)

TAKING AIM: A doll draws a bow with a paper clip arrow (FENG JIN)

ON DUTY: A "soldier" guards a gate in the Forbidden City (FENG JIN)