Niall Lawless, a chartered arbitrator and engineer from Ireland, has recently been enjoying himself in the Forbidden City, China's largest and most complete surviving palace.
Niall Lawless (center) explains the layout of the Forbidden City to tourists. [Courtesy of Niall Lawless] |
The trained volunteer has been providing language services to those visiting the ancient wonder since June.
"I had been to the Forbidden City three times before," said Lawless. "I was deeply attracted to its architectural style. I think it is the most beautiful place in the world. I am also interested in China's long history and the principle of Feng Shui."
While reading China Daily online at the end of last year, Lawless read a news piece on the recruitment of foreign volunteers to provide language services in the Forbidden City.
The 50-year-old realized it would be a great opportunity to learn about Chinese traditional culture and immediately applied.
About 26 of 40 volunteers passed a first-round interview, he said, before 14 were put through lectures, internships and examinations.
Lawless' current role is introducing foreigners to the Forbidden City and answering any questions they may have.
"I think most of the foreign tourists only come to China and the Forbidden City once in their whole life, so I am pleased to guide them to the most precious spots," he said.
"Some tourists come back to thank me when they finish their trip. A tourist from the UK even gave me a present."
Lawless, a part-time PhD candidate at the University of International Business and Economics, works at the service center outside Taihe Men (Gate of Supreme Harmony) eight hours per week.
Duan Yong, deputy director of The Palace Museum, said that most of the more than 80 heads of states attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games will visit the Forbidden City.
English, Spanish, French, German and Japanese language services are currently available for tour groups.
Besides direction boards, maps, introductions and touch screens in both Chinese and English, automatic guide machines have been installed to provide information in at least 35 foreign languages.
Some stores and tea houses inside the Forbidden City have also added Japanese and Korean translation to their menus.
Duan said the aim is to enable every visitor to have access to at least one language he or she can understand.
The Forbidden City receives about 10 million visitors annually, 16 to 28 percent of them from abroad.