The National Palace Museum in Shilin holds one of the finest collections of Chinese imperial art anywhere, much of it brought to Taiwan from the mainland in the late 1940s. The collection runs to hundreds of thousands of objects, far too many to show at once, so the galleries rotate pieces from thousands of years of history: ritual bronzes, jade carvings, ceramics from the Song to the Qing dynasties, rare books, paintings and calligraphy. The most famous pieces are small and astonishing, above all the Jadeite Cabbage, carved with two insects on its leaves, and the Meat-shaped Stone, a piece of jasper that looks exactly like braised pork belly. The building itself, with its green-tiled roofs set against the hills, is part of the experience, and the gardens beside it are a calm place for a break.
How it works: the Tiqets ticket gives admission to the main museum in Taipei (the Northern Branch) plus an audio guide in ten languages including English, with a discount in the gift shop. Scan the QR code at the entrance. The museum is a short bus or taxi ride from Shilin MRT station, and it is usually closed on Mondays, so check the day before you go.
What to expect: tour groups crowd the star pieces in the middle of the day, especially the jade galleries, so start there first thing or late in the afternoon. Star objects are sometimes rotated, lent or shown at the Southern Branch in Chiayi, so if you are coming for one piece, check what is on display. Bags must go into lockers, and photography rules vary by gallery.
Making the most of it: choose two or three themes, such as jade, ceramics and calligraphy, rather than trying to see everything. Pair the visit with Shilin Night Market in the evening, or with the Beitou hot-spring area, which is nearby on the same side of the city.
What to expect
The experience
Admission to the main museum with a self-paced audio guide in English or nine other languages.
Best time
Opening time or late afternoon, when tour groups thin out; a good rainy-day plan.
How long
Three to four hours for the highlights.
Tips
Head straight to the jade galleries first and check that your must-see piece is on display.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone with even a passing interest in Chinese history and art.
- Families
- Older children enjoy hunting for the cabbage and the pork-belly stone.
- Couples
- A slow afternoon in the galleries, then Shilin Night Market.
- Pair with
- Shilin Night Market and the Beitou hot springs.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is included in this ticket?+
Admission to the main museum in Taipei, an audio guide and a gift shop discount; the Southern Branch is not included.
Is the Jadeite Cabbage always on display?+
Not always: star pieces are sometimes rotated or shown at the Southern Branch, so check before you go.
How do I get there?+
Take the MRT to Shilin, then a short bus or taxi ride to the museum.
Is the museum open every day?+
It is usually closed on Mondays, so plan another sight for that day.
Is the audio guide in English?+
Yes, it comes in English and nine other languages.
