iPhone Savior: Is It Time For The Forbidden City Apple Store?

What if one of China's ancient and most esteemed landmarks teamed up with one of the world's most prestigious computing brands to form an alliance of epic proportions? Imagine making your way inside the inner court of The Forbidden City to find an awe inspiring flagship Apple store. It could signal the official launch of a full blown Mac Dynasty for the Chinese. The SanLiTun Village Apple store in Beijing is only the beginning of a truly 'Mactastic' China.

A decision of this magnitude could be revolutionary for China's World Heritage Site, modernizing The Forbidden City with the kind of pop culture significance it's ancient walls have been sorely lacking. Similar to a move by the French who have approved adding America's elite Apple brand to their list of tired Carrousel du Louvre shops. The one obvious icon absent in Beijing is the highly anticipated Chi-Phone, a deal that Chinese telecom operators need to stop whining about and finalize with Apple. Twenty two countries are launching iPhone 3G on August 22nd, China's not on that list. One world, one dream, one iPhone.

I was surprised to learn that Starbucks tried to commercialize The Forbidden City back in 2000 but their marketing Kung Fu, like their daily drip was weak, becoming an insult to Chinese civilization. Apple on the other hand has emerged as the Kung Fu masters of modern marketing. An American brand that symbolizes creative and economic freedom. If anyone can succeed there without offense, Apple certainly can. It's time for the Palace Museum caretakers in China to think different.