CHINA:A long-brewing storm in a coffee cup has come to a head in Beijing after a controversial Starbucks coffee shop in the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace in the heart of the capital, closed its doors after years of opposition.
The cafe was closed last week as part of a reorganisation of private businesses operating on the grounds of the Forbidden City, known in China as the Palace Museum.
Starbucks had an eventful stay in the ancient palace, the former residence of the Ming and Qing emperors (14th-20th century).
When it opened in 2000, it prompted a media backlash so severe that the museum authorities considered revoking its lease after a couple of months.
It has operated without the usual outward corporate Starbucks bunting since the chain removed the round green logo from the shop two years ago.
Last year, a Chinese TV anchorman Rui Chenggang began a crusade against the cafe, saying the US chain's presence in one of the key symbols of the Chinese nation was undermining Chinese culture and marred the solemnity of the Forbidden City. He waged a campaign on his blog and it became a huge cause in China, with many calling for Starbucks to leave the site.
The rectangular palace complex covers 183 acres and is Beijing's top tourist attraction, with 8.76 million visitors last year.
It is surrounded by a moat to the north of Tiananmen Square and has 9,999 rooms. It was listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
There are many stalls selling souvenirs, drinks and other items within the outer courtyards.
The site management wants to provide more diverse food, drinks and souvenirs in the forthcoming overhaul of the service area close to the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Yang Xiaobo, an official in charge of planning, told the Xinhua news agency.
"We found through a survey that most visitors - from China and abroad - hope to taste some imperial food at the emperors' former home," said Mr Yang.
The management proposed that Starbucks could continue to operate in a revamped "coffee shop" selling domestic coffee and other beverages alongside its own brew, but the US chain decided it wanted to maintain its own brand.
There are 239 Starbucks in mainland China, as well as countless imitators who try to copy the group's distinctive round green logo.
The cafe is being turned into a souvenir shop.