Shan Jixiang, former Director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, was appointed new curator of the Palace Museum in Beijing, replacing the 65-year-old Zheng Xinmiao, who has been its head from 2002. The museum's reputation was tarnished by a slew of scandals last year.

Shan, 57, who holds a doctor's degree in urban planning from Tsinghua University in Beijing, is known for his efforts in protecting cultural heritage across the country. After being appointed director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage in 2002, Shan promoted the preservation of cultural relics, launched new nationwide surveys of cultural heritage sites and developed new architecture-related programs in rural areas. It's commonly believed that Shan's background will help with the ongoing renovation of the Palace Museum, which will be completed by 2020.