Starbucks has ended its eight-year business in the Forbidden City. The reason, according to the Forbidden City, is that the place Starbuck has been renting will be used to manage another drinking store, and will be involved in the developing plan of the Forbidden City.
Beijing Morning Post reports that Starbucks' leaving is not only a business move, but also a cultural phenomenon. The Forbidden City, a world-famous culture heritage, is a travel spot serving tourists from both home and abroad.
Starbucks provide good services to tourists, and should not be blamed just because it is a foreign company selling coffee, not tea.
The paper calls for people to have a stronger cultural compatibility, allowing foreign brands to do their business in China's iconic places. Different cultures are not conflicting with each other, but could contribute to the diversity in people's lives.
With Starbucks' leaving comes a spark of communication and understanding between different cultures to harmoniously co-exist. |