After a growing number of complaints against its presence in one of China's most significant historic and cultural sites, the chain decides to close its doors.
"For the past seven years, visitors to Beijing's 587-year-old Forbidden City have had that option as they tramped through the historic complex of sprawling gardens and halls that takes up 178 acres at the heart of Beijing. But that ended when Starbucks finally shut its store on July 13 after a storm of opposition from patriotic mainland Chinese. "
"The campaign to oust the Seattle-based coffee chain from one of China's most historic sites was led by a popular news anchor from the country's national television broadcaster, CCTV, who ignited a firestorm after taking up the issue on his popular blog last year. "Starbucks has good quality stuff, but it is still a symbol of America's low-class food culture," wrote Rui Chenggang on Jan. 12, 2007. "It's maybe O.K. to have a Starbucks around the Forbidden City. But having one inside the City is inappropriate. This is not globalization, but an erosion of Chinese culture." "
FULL STORY: Forbidden Starbucks
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service