MARCH 25 was a doubly lucky day for Li Yafei, a young woman from Shandong Province.

Not only did she visit the National Museum of China in Beijing for the first time and purchase the popular coronet magnet — a souvenir available in the museum’s gift shop that is often sold out — but she was also the millionth to buy one since it first went on sale in mid-July last year.

To her surprise and excitement, Li was presented with a “1 million record magnet” certificate by the museum’s creativity product team in front of media, visitors, and long lines of people queuing to buy one of their own.

The magnet comes in two varieties, one in wood and the other in metal. It is fashioned after a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) coronet worn by the empress at imperial ceremonies.

The sophisticated workmanship of the coronet’s filigree inlay technique and hundreds of precious stones and pearls make it a highlight in the Ancient China galleries, a long-term exhibition at the National Museum.

Visitors must line up for even a brief look at the sparkling coronet, which is kept in a glass case.

The magnets are highly sought-after, and the number of people waiting in line to buy them has made headlines.

The creativity team has designed more products to meet demand, and now there are 25 coronet souvenirs including lamps and toys, with earrings, brooches and a case being the latest additions.

(China Daily)