IP-based development

"I know many friends are fond of experiential cultural creative products, such as archaeology blind boxes, to sample the process of digging and repairing," said Milly Zi, the museum patron.

Currently, the products offered for sale are diverse, from food and drinks to cosmetics, clothing and accessories.

Founded in 1926, the Shenyang Palace Museum in Liaoning province, was home to the imperial family during the early phase of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Zhuangfei, a coffee brand and shop, was created by the museum in 2021.

Zhuangfei was a historical figure, the grandmother of Emperor Kangxi, and had lived in the palace.

"Last June, we opened another milk tea shop besides the coffee shop, because Zhuangfei liked drinking milk tea as it was a traditional drink among Manchu," said Su Yang, deputy head of the museum in Shenyang. The tea is topped with beef jerky and sachima and has a salty flavor.