Taiwan National Palace Museum Complete Guide | Discover the Palace Museum’s History, Tickets, Transportation, Highlights, and Must-See Exhibits!

Introduction to Taiwan National Palace Museum & Its History and Background

Wondering what makes the Taiwan National Palace Museum special? As one of Taiwan’s top attractions, the Taiwan National Palace Museum dates back to 1949 when a collection of priceless artifacts was moved from Beijing to Taiwan for safekeeping. Finally, in 1965, the Taipei branch of the museum officially opened in Waishuangxi, Shilin District, with its design crafted by architect Huang Baoyu.

The Taiwan National Palace Museum features a four-story main building styled in traditional Chinese palace architecture, covering an area of about 28,000 square meters. Though smaller than Beijing’s Forbidden City with its 600-year history, the Taiwan National Palace Museum holds nearly 700,000 precious artifacts spanning the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and over 8,000 years of history. Exhibits are regularly rotated by category: artifacts change every six months to two years, while paintings and documents are updated every three months. Additionally, special exhibitions themed around the Taiwan National Palace Museum are held periodically, ensuring that every visit offers something new to explore.

Currently, the Taiwan National Palace Museum has two main locations. Along with the main Taipei branch, a southern branch was established in Taibao, Chiayi, on December 28, 2015, further expanding the exhibition space of the Taiwan National Palace Museum.

Wondering about the must-see exhibits at the Taiwan National Palace Museum? This complete guide provides detailed transportation directions, ticket information, and nearby attractions to help you easily plan a one-day visit to the Taiwan National Palace Museum and experience the richness of Chinese culture.

Differences Between Taiwan National Palace Museum and the Beijing Palace Museum

Highlights of the Taiwan National Palace Museum Collection

Curious about the must-see exhibits at the Taiwan National Palace Museum? The three treasures most frequently mentioned are the Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-Shaped Stone, and the Mao Gong Ding. These popular items are absolute must-sees.

While experts may argue that the true “Top Three Treasures” of the museum are actually three grand Song Dynasty ink paintings: Fan Kuan's "Travelers Among Mountains and Streams," Guo Xi's "Early Spring," and Li Tang's "Wind in Pines Among a Myriad Valleys." However, the Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-Shaped Stone, and Mao Gong Ding hold an undeniable place in the hearts of the Taiwanese public.

As for artifact classifications, did you know that Taiwan categorizes its artifacts into "National Treasures," "Important Antiquities," and "General Cultural Relics" under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act? Thus, the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone are classified as "Important Antiquities," while the Mao Gong Ding is a true “National Treasure.”

Regardless of their classification, each piece is celebrated for its stunning craftsmanship and deep cultural significance. Each has a unique story and charm that continues to attract visitors from all around the world.

Jadeite Cabbage

Image Source: Taipei City Government Department of Tourism

Would you like to see the most popular treasure at the taiwan national palace museum, the "Jadeite Cabbage"?

This intricate piece is believed to have been part of the dowry of Concubine Jin, a consort of Emperor Guangxu during the Qing Dynasty, and was originally housed in the Yonghe Palace within the Forbidden City.

The Jadeite Cabbage, measuring 18.7 cm long, 9.1 cm wide, and 5.07 cm thick, is one of only six in the world, with three held in the Taiwan National Palace Museum, and the other two in the Beijing Palace Museum and Tianjin Museum.

The most remarkable aspect of the Jadeite Cabbage is the craftsman’s skilled carving technique, utilizing the natural color variations in jade to conceal imperfections within the cabbage’s layered leaves. If you look closely, you’ll even find a large katydid and a small grasshopper hidden on the leaves, symbols of fertility and prosperity in ancient times.

This jade sculpture's natural color gradient, from pure white leaves to vibrant green stems, mimics a real cabbage. Although it is not officially a National Treasure of the taipei palace museum, its exquisite craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and delightful appearance have made it a perennial “fan favorite” and a top attraction at the taiwan national palace museum, drawing countless visitors every year!

Meat-Shaped Stone

Image Source: Taipei City Government Department of Tourism

If you're visiting the taiwan national palace museum, don’t miss the chance to see the mouth-watering "Meat-Shaped Stone"!

This unique artifact, measuring 5.73 cm long, 6.6 cm wide, and 5.3 cm thick, is a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty craftsmanship. The artisans skillfully transformed agate stone through polishing, drilling, and dyeing techniques to mimic a piece of "Dongpo pork," complete with realistic layers of fat and skin texture. The meticulous detailing is truly awe-inspiring!

However, if you want to see the Meat-Shaped Stone, note that it rotates between the Taiwan National Palace Museum and the Southern Branch in Chiayi. Be sure to check the museum’s official website for the exhibition schedule so you don’t miss it! This rotation system not only allows the artifacts to rest but also provides more people the opportunity to view this exquisite "Important Antiquity."

Mao Gong Ding

Image Source: Taipei City Government Department of Tourism 

This 53.8 cm tall, 47 cm in diameter bronze cauldron weighs 34.7 kg and dates back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (around 828-782 BCE), making it one of the most valuable artifacts of that era.

The most distinctive feature of Mao Gong Ding is the 500-character inscription inside its belly, the longest known inscription on any bronze artifact. These characters not only record the appointment of Mao Gong by King Xuan of Zhou but are also admired for their fluent calligraphy style, making this cauldron a prized example of ancient script art.

The story of Mao Gong Ding’s journey is just as fascinating. It was discovered in Qishan, Shaanxi Province during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty and passed through various collectors’ hands. The most harrowing chapter came during the Sino-Japanese War, when its owner at that time, Ye Gongchuo, risked his life to prevent it from falling into Japanese hands. His nephew even endured over a month of torture, using a fake cauldron to deceive the occupying forces and ultimately saving the artifact.

The Mao Gong Ding is honored as a “National Treasure” not only for its historical value but also for the detailed historical records it provides about the "Revival of King Xuan of Zhou" in the Western Zhou period. This treasure, along with the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone, has even been humorously called by internet users as the "A pickled cabbage and pork hot pot that's only for looking, not eating." since it includes the cabbage, meat, and a cauldron — all highly popular exhibits at the taiwan national palace museum.

Visitor Information for Taiwan National Palace Museum

Exhibitions at Taiwan National Palace Museum

For reference: Taiwan National Palace Museum Exhibition Information

Events at Taiwan National Palace Museum

For reference: Taiwan National Palace Museum Event Information

Floor Plan of Taiwan National Palace Museum

For reference: Taiwan National Palace Museum Exhibition Area Guide

Cultural and Creative Products at Taiwan National Palace Museum

I Know It Action Figure Stamp | Image Source: Taiwan National Palace Museum

Currently, the Taipei Palace Museum offers souvenir shops on the following floors:

• 2F Museum Shop (Linglong Hall/Tingyun Bookstore) - Open during main museum hours.
• 2F Museum Shop (Baohui Gallery) - Open during main museum hours.
• B1 Museum Shop - Open during main museum hours. On weekends, national holidays, and consecutive holidays: extended hours until 5:30 PM.

Additionally, many artifact-themed items are available for purchase on the Palace Museum Online Boutique, including miniature porcelain items, stamps featuring "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," and stationery like washi tape and notebooks, which make perfect souvenirs.

Getting to Taiwan National Palace Museum

If you’re looking for transportation options to the Taiwan National Palace Museum here’s a guide to help you:

Chartered Car Services

The most convenient way to reach the taiwan national palace museum is by chartered car, which saves you from multiple transfers and allows more time for your museum visit.

Public Transportation (MRT, Bus, Shuttle)

The MRT is a time-saving and convenient transportation choice for those visiting taiwan national palace museum, especially for travelers new to Taipei. Although there is currently no direct MRT line to the museum, it is accessible from Shilin MRT Station with a short bus ride. Here’s how:

• Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Shilin Station → Exit 1 → Walk to the bus stop on Zhongzheng Road → Take bus "Red 30" (about 15 minutes) to the museum’s B1 entrance.
• Alternatively, at Taipei Main Station (Zhongxiao), take the "Double-Decker Bus" with multilingual audio guides.
• You can also take Taipei City Bus lines: Red 30, Brown 13, Brown 20, 255, 304, 815, Minibus 1, and Chongqing Main Line to the National Palace Museum stop.

Driving Directions

Driving North

Take the highway to the Taipei Binjiang Interchange → Left onto Dazhi Bridge → Right onto Beian Road → Through Ziqiang Tunnel → Right turn at the intersection of Gugong Road and Zhishan Road.

Driving South

For drivers coming from Keelung, exit at Neihu Interchange → Left onto the expressway → Neihu Road Section 1 → Through Ziqiang Tunnel → Right turn at the intersection of Gugong Road and Zhishan Road.

Parking Information at the Palace Museum

1. East Side Visitor Parking: 32 car spaces, 25 motorcycle spaces, 2 accessible car spaces, 2 accessible motorcycle spaces, 1 family space.
2. West Side Visitor Parking: 74 car spaces, 23 motorcycle spaces, 0 accessible car spaces, 1 family space.
3. Shared Employee and Visitor Parking: 54 car spaces, 101 motorcycle spaces, 6 accessible car spaces, 3 accessible motorcycle spaces, 2 family spaces.

Important Notes for Visiting Taiwan National Palace Museum

1. To preserve and protect the artifacts, the taiwan national palace museum maintains a temperature of 20-24°C. Please bring warm clothing accordingly.
2. When photographing or filming inside the museum, please refrain from using flash, lighting equipment, tripods, or selfie sticks. If an exhibit is marked as non-photographable, please respect the rule.
3. Please keep quiet inside the exhibition halls and refrain from littering, smoking, eating, or drinking. If you need to drink water, use the designated drinking area or seating area outside the exhibit rooms.
4. Coin-operated lockers are available outside the exhibit area for same-day use only (coins are returned after use).

Nearby Attractions Around Taiwan National Palace Museum

If you’re planning a cultural trip to the taiwan national palace museum, there are also some amazing nearby attractions worth exploring.

As you enter the Taiwan National Palace Museum, you’ll be greeted by an imposing bronze archway, flanked by white pillars and adorned with intricate traditional carvings. This striking blend of classic and modern architecture makes it a popular photo spot for visitors to the national palace museum taiwan!

Zhishan Garden

Image Source: Taipei City Government Department of Tourism

Want to experience the authentic beauty of a Chinese garden? The Zhishan Garden, covering more than 5,000 pings (approximately 16,500 square meters), is meticulously designed to resemble gardens from the Song and Ming dynasties!

The garden features three interconnected ponds, as well as the graceful Nine-Curve Bridge and white arched bridge connecting the stately Pine Wind Pavilion and the picturesque Xishui Pavilion. The garden embodies numerous traditional Chinese landscaping techniques, with its pavilions, bridges, rockeries, and water features making it an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll.

Chang Dai-chien Memorial Residence

Image Source: Taiwan National Palace Museum

Built in 1976, the Chang Dai-chien Memorial Residence, formerly known as "Moye Jingshe," is now managed by the Palace Museum. For a glimpse into the daily life of the famous artist, visitors can explore the residence, which has preserved his living environment along with numerous treasured photographs and unique stones.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taiwan National Palace Museum on PTT, Dcard, and Other Platforms

Q: What are the opening hours and address of the Taiwan National Palace Museum?

Q: Is a reservation needed for Taiwan National Palace Museum? Are there guided tours available?

Q: What are the must-see treasures at Taiwan National Palace Museum？

Q: How long does it take to tour the Taiwan National Palace Museum?

Q: Can I bring pets to the Taiwan National Palace Museum?

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