The Complete Guide to the Highlights of Taiwan's National Palace Museum | A Comprehensive Guide to Tickets, Access, Visit Duration, and Souvenirs
Highlights of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan
The National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, is,The World's Four Great MuseumsIt is one of the most famous tourist attractions.
In this column, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide—from must-see exhibits to how to buy tickets, how to get there, how long to plan for, and souvenirs—so even first-time visitors can enjoy the experience without getting lost!
◆For those who want to efficiently see the must-see exhibits
◆For First-Time Visitors to the National Palace Museum in Taiwan
◆For those who want to know in advance how to buy tickets, etc.
| Highlights of the [National Palace Museum, Taiwan] | |
|---|---|
| Features | One of the world's four major museums, with a collection of approximately 700,000 items |
| Top Attractions | Jade Cabbage, Meat-Shaped Stone, and the Mao Gong Ding |
| Things to Enjoy | Viewing the Three Great Treasures, discovering something new with each rotation of the exhibits, and taking a guided tour in Japanese |
| Recommended For | For those who want to efficiently see masterpieces of Chinese art on their first trip to Taiwan |
Taiwan Recommendations
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This Is What the National Palace Museum in Taiwan Is Like!
Basic Information You Should Know First
The National Palace Museum,Shilin District, Taipei CityIt is the largest museum in Taiwan, located in .
It is known as one of the “Four Great Museums of the World,” alongside the Louvre in France, the Hermitage Museum in Russia, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States.
The collection consists ofApproximately 700,000 itemsAmong these, the quality and quantity of the artworks owned by successive Chinese imperial courts are said to be the best in the world.
The permanent exhibition features approximately 7,000 to 8,000 items, andExhibits are changed every 3 to 6 monthswill take place.
It’s on such a massive scale that they say even 10 years wouldn’t be enough to see it all!
Business hours are Tuesday through Sunday9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(Tickets are on sale until 4:30 p.m.), and we are closed on Mondays.
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Highlights of the National Palace Museum・
A Roundup of Must-See Exhibits
The National Palace Museum houses a vast number of exhibits, but the first ones you’ll want to see are “The Three Great TreasuresThere is a must-see film called "".
If it's your first time here, I recommend focusing on these attractions during your tour!
Meat-Shaped Stone (Stone for Braised Pork)
The “Meat-Shaped Stone” is one of the three greatest treasures of the Palace Museum. At first glance, this work looks exactly like a real braised pork dish, but in fact, it isNatural AgateIt was carved directly from the original.
The different shades in each layer of stone beautifully replicate the layers of skin, fat, and meat in pork belly.
On the surface,Realistic detail down to the poresIt's truly the pinnacle of art!
Works that depict food with such realism are rare even on a global scale, and this popular piece often draws surprised reactions from visitors, who exclaim, “It looks like you could actually eat it!”
Jade Cabbage (Emerald Cabbage)
The “Jade Cabbage” is one of the two most famous treasures of the National Palace Museum and is a masterpiece created during China’s Qing Dynasty.
The contrast between the deep green and white is beautifulNatural jadeIt has been intricately carved to look just like a real Chinese cabbage.
Although compact—measuring approximately 18.7 cm in height and 9.1 cm in width—the leaves feature a symbol of the prosperity of future generations.The Grasshopper and the Locust...is delicately carved.
It is said to have been part of the dowry of a consort of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, and the piece is imbued with symbolic meaning as a good-luck charm.
Often called “the world’s most famous napa cabbage,” this is a true gem that you simply must see up close!
Mao Gong Ding
The “Mao Gong Ding” is a bronze ding made during China’s Western Zhou Dynasty (approximately 2,800 years ago).
It is the oldest of the Three Great Treasures and is a work of immense historical value.
On the inside,An inscription consisting of 499 characters...is inscribed on it, and this is known as the longest surviving inscription on a bronze artifact in China.
This is a valuable artifact that vividly conveys the history of ancient China.
Other Recommended Exhibits
In addition to the Three Great Treasures, there are many other noteworthy works.
From a single tuskA sphere with as many as 21 layersThe “Carved Ivory Openwork Cloud-and-Dragon Motif Ball Set,” featuring intricate carvings, overwhelms visitors with its extraordinary craftsmanship—so masterful it seems beyond human capability.
Also, don’t miss the “Carved Olive Pit Boat,” a boat carved from an olive pit that can hold eight people. The Palace Museum is home to a wealth of amazing works, so be sure to take your time exploring.
National Palace Museum Tickets and Admission Fees
Admission to the National Palace Museum is, for adults350 New Taiwan dollars (about 1,700 yen)...Admission is 75 New Taiwan dollars (about 370 yen) for those 17 and under, and free for those 65 and older.
If you know this in advance, you'll be able to enter more smoothly.
Ticket Types and Prices
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the on-site ticket counter, as well as through online platforms such as KKday,Electronic Tickets (E-Tickets)You can also purchase it in advance.
E-tickets are also available for tours with Japanese-speaking guides, who provide detailed explanations of the exhibits’ background and history, allowing you to enjoy the experience even more. This is especially recommended for first-time visitors!
Do I need to make a reservation?
How to Purchase Tickets in Advance
Advance reservations are not required, andYou can also purchase tickets on the day of the event.。
However, since it tends to get crowded on weekends and during long holidays, we recommend purchasing e-tickets online in advance if you want to save time waiting in line.
In addition to the official website, you can also purchase tickets through services such as KKday.
On the day of the event, ticket exchange will beDeadline at 4:30 p.m.Therefore, if you plan to visit in the late afternoon, be sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare.
How to Get to the National Palace Museum
To the National Palace MuseumRoutes Combining the MRT and Busesis the most convenient.
It's easily accessible from downtown Taipei, so first-time visitors should definitely check this out!
Access: 1 minute on foot from the bus stop National Palace Museum (Main Building)
Access by MRT (Subway)
The nearest station is on the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line"Shilin Station (R16)"It is.
Exit Shilin Station through Exit 1 and take a local bus from the bus stop, which is a 1- to 2-minute walk away.
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get there from downtown Taipei.
You can also take a bus from Exit 1 of the MRT Wenhu Line’s “Jiannan Road Station (BR15).”
You can rest assured that there are several buses running from both stations to the National Palace Museum.
Access by Bus
From Shilin Station, several bus routes—including the “Red 30,” “815,” “304,” “300,” and “255”—run toward the National Palace Museum.
In particular"Red 30"This is recommended because it stops directly at the B1 bus stop at the National Palace Museum Main Building.
To board and exit buses, use a Taiwanese public transportation IC card"EasyCard"is convenient.
If you buy it in advance, it makes getting through the turnstiles a breeze, and you can use it on both the MRT and buses!
Taxis and Other Means of Transportation
If you take a taxi from downtown Taipei, the trip from Taipei Main Station to the National Palace Museum takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the fare is200–350 New Taiwan dollars(Approximately 1,000 to 1,700 yen) is a good estimate.
Since Uber is also available, it's a convenient option for people with a lot of luggage or families.
In addition, Taipei’s double-decker sightseeing buses (the red and blue routes) also stop at the National Palace Museum, so this is another great option for those who want to visit the museum while touring other attractions.
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How long does it take to visit the National Palace Museum, and
The Most Efficient Way to Get Around
Because the National Palace Museum has such a vast exhibition area,Estimated Travel Time Before Your VisitUnderstanding this will make it easier to make plans.
Choose a tour style that suits your pace.
Estimated Time Required
If you plan to focus on the major exhibits, such as the Three Great Treasures, you’ll need at least2 hoursLet's make sure we have that.
If you want to enjoy lunch and shopping as well, it’s best to plan for a half-day to a full day.
The collection is so vast that even several days wouldn't be enough to see it all.
The key to enjoying the National Palace Museum wisely is to narrow down your focus—don’t try to see everything; just decide, “Today, I’ll focus on this area!”
Recommended Sightseeing Routes by Area
The Main Building (Exhibition Area 1) spans from the B1F to the 4F, and the Jade Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone are located in “CuriositiesThe Mao Gong Ding is on display in the “” section, while the “Bronze Ware” section.
After checking these out first, I recommend exploring the genres that interest you, such as paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy.
The grounds feature a Chinese-style garden covering approximately 7,000 tsubo."Shizen-en"It is also located right next to it, and admission is free.
Taking a stroll to refresh yourself between tours is a great idea.
Souvenirs from the National Palace Museum
・Store Information
The gift shop at the National Palace Museum has,Unique merchandise inspired by the exhibitsWe have a wide selection of [...].
Be sure to stop by at the end of your tour!
Popular Souvenirs
Particularly popular are items featuring motifs such as jade cabbage and meat-shaped stones.
Masking Tape, Stationery, Coin Purses, KeychainsWe carry a variety of practical and cute items, such as these.
Inspired by the "Niku-gata-ishi" (braised pork)"Lu Rou Fen (Lu Rou Powder)"This is a seasoning mix that lets you make authentic lu rou han right at home, and the packaging is incredibly eye-catching!
It's sure to be a hit as a souvenir.
At 80 Taiwanese dollars (about 400 yen), it’s reasonably priced, making it perfect for giving out as small gifts.
Shop and Café Locations and Hours of Operation
The main gift shop is located on the B1 level of the main building."Tuobao Ku"Since it's located in an area that doesn't require an admission fee, you can use it without entering the museum.
We carry a wide variety of items, ranging from home goods and tableware to books and commemorative coins.
The museum also features a restaurant called “Gugong Jinghua,” where visitors can enjoy imperial cuisine.
Since you can enjoy a meal in an elegant setting that’s typical of the National Palace Museum, why not stop by if you’re planning a half-day or full-day visit?
About the National Palace Museum in Taiwan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary
The National Palace Museum in Taiwan has the "Meat-Shaped Stone," the "Jade Cabbage," and the "Mao Gong Ding"The Three Great TreasuresIt is a museum of overwhelming scale where you can experience China's 4,000 years of history, among other things.
It's easier to buy tickets online in advance. For directions,Bus from MRT Shilin Stationis convenient.
The tour takes at least two hours, but half a day is plenty of time to enjoy it. There’s also a wide selection of souvenirs, so picking out souvenirs after the tour is part of the fun.
Be sure to check it out when you visit Taiwan!
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