Must-See Highlights of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan

The National Palace Museum, located in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is one of the world’s top four museums and a must-visit attraction for travelers. With one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, it ranks among Asia’s most visited museums. The museum showcases an extensive array of historical treasures, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. Beyond its fascinating exhibits, the National Palace Museum also features a unique dining experience, where visitors can enjoy dishes inspired by the museum’s artifacts. In this guide, we’ll explore the museum’s top highlights, must-see exhibits, and how to get there, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

1. The Main Building: A Museum Boasting an Extensive Collection

The Main Building of the National Palace Museum stands out with its majestic Chinese palace-style architecture. It houses the First Exhibition Area, spanning four levels from the basement to the third floor. This area showcases an extensive collection of historical treasures inherited by Chinese emperors throughout history. Visitors can admire significant artifacts, including the Tang Dynasty Lady Figurine (Tang Yong Li Nv Yong)—a sculpture depicting a full-figured beauty—and the Jialiang, an ancient weighing instrument from over 2,000 years ago. The exhibition also features calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and various other cultural relics.

With a vast collection of approximately 700,000 artifacts, the museum rotates 3,000 to 5,000 pieces every few months. Art enthusiasts can spend hours exploring its rich displays. Notably, the renowned Jadeite Cabbage and other famous exhibits are on the third floor, making it the ideal starting point for first-time visitors. The Opening Hours is [Regular: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM] and [Night Hours: Friday & Saturday, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM]. The Admission Fee is NT$350 (as of April 2019).

2. The National Palace Museum’s 5 Most Exquisite Treasures

The five most famous treasures of the National Palace Museum are: Jadeite Cabbage (翠玉白菜), Meat-shaped Stone (肉形石), Ivory Ball with Interlocking Spheres (象牙透彫雲龍文套球), Carved Olive Pit Boat (雕橄欖核舟), and Mao Gong Ding (毛公鼎). The Jadeite Cabbage is a 19 cm-high sculpture made from natural jade, resembling a Chinese cabbage. It is believed to be a dowry item symbolizing purity and fertility. The Meat-shaped Stone, on the other hand, is a natural mineral that strikingly resembles braised pork belly, making it one of the most recognizable artifacts in the museum.

The Ivory Ball with Interlocking Spheres is an astonishing masterpiece carved from a single piece of ivory. It consists of 21 layers, each intricately carved and capable of rotating independently—without any visible seams. The Carved Olive Pit Boat is a miniature boat measuring only 1.6 cm tall, 1.4 cm wide, and 3.4 cm long, carved from an olive pit. Inside, eight meticulously detailed figures are depicted, each with unique expressions and postures. The tiny boat even features functional doors and an inscription of 300 Chinese characters on its bottom. Lastly, the Mao Gong Ding is a three-legged bronze vessel inscribed with one of the longest bronze inscriptions in existence, making it a crucial artifact for studying ancient Chinese history.

3. Adorable Souvenirs Featuring the “Five Great Treasures” – Museum Shop

The National Palace Museum offers a variety of original goods and souvenirs at its museum shops. On the first basement floor of the first exhibition area, you’ll find the "Duobao Pavilion," while the second floor houses "Linglong Hall" and "Tingyun." These shops sell a wide range of unique items, including portable chopsticks, business card holders featuring the iconic Jadeite Cabbage, traditional Chinese cloisonné alarm clocks, keychains, trivets, and more. Many of these designs are unavailable in other countries, making them perfect as memorable souvenirs or personal keepsakes. For a practical yet stylish purchase, why not grab a set of high-quality chopsticks for everyday use?

4. Can You Eat the “Five Great Treasures”? – Dining at the Museum

After exploring the exhibits, satisfy your hunger at one of the restaurants within the National Palace Museum. "Fu Cheng Jinghua" specializes in authentic Tainan-style small eats, including Danzai Noodles, a popular street food from Tainan, and Red Bean Tapioca Douhua, a refreshing dessert made of soft tofu, red beans, and tapioca pearls.

For a truly unique culinary experience, visit "Silks Palace" (Gu Gong Jinghua), where you can enjoy dishes inspired by the museum’s famous artifacts. Made with locally sourced Taiwanese ingredients, the highlight is the National Treasure Banquet, a gourmet course meal that requires a reservation. Notable dishes include a braised pork dish that perfectly replicates the appearance of the Meat-Shaped Stone and an artistic recreation of the Jadeite Cabbage. These dishes are not just visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, offering a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

5. How to Get to the National Palace Museum

The easiest way to reach the National Palace Museum from Taipei Main Station is by taking the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line and getting off at Shilin (Shilin) Station. From there, transfer to the "Red 30" bus, which will take you directly to the entrance of the museum. For a more convenient trip, use an EasyCard, which allows you to ride MRT, buses, and even shop at convenience stores. If you don’t have one yet, it’s highly recommended to purchase and top it up in advance. Alternatively, taking a taxi from your hotel is another comfortable option.

◎Summary

For the best travel experience in Taiwan, visit between April and May before the rainy season or between October and December when the typhoon season is over. The October-December period is particularly great since some countries gets colder during these months, but Taiwan remains pleasant and comfortable. In this article, we introduced one of Taiwan’s must-visit attractions—the National Palace Museum. With a vast collection of historical treasures, it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again. You can also enjoy a meal at the museum’s restaurant for a complete experience. When planning your Taiwan trip, make sure to include the National Palace Museum in your itinerary and use this guide to make your visit smooth and enjoyable!

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Must-See Highlights of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan