National Palace Museum, Taipei

Introducing the National Palace Museum, Taipei

The National Palace Museum, Taipei, is located at No. 221, Section 2, Shuangxi Zhishan Road, at the foot of Yangmingshan in the suburbs of Taipei City. Construction began in 1962. It is a palace-style building designed after the style of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The new building was completed in 1965 and opened in 1966. It was originally named the Sun Yat-sen Museum and was later renamed the National Palace Museum.

The National Palace Museum in Taipei is a renowned museum of Chinese history, culture, and art. Its architectural design draws on traditional Chinese palace architecture, with a pale blue glazed tile roof, beige walls, and pristine white stone railings resting on a bluestone base, creating a refined and elegant style.

The museum houses a comprehensive collection of Chinese cultural relics, encompassing approximately 650,000 artifacts. It's often said, "The Palace Museum in Beijing is for architecture, while the National Palace Museum in Taipei is for cultural relics." The Jadeite Cabbage is the museum's most valuable treasure. The museum regularly displays approximately 5,000 pieces of calligraphy, paintings, and other cultural relics, and regularly hosts special exhibitions. Exhibits are rotated every three months.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

3-4 hours

Tickets

National Palace Museum, Taipei: 110 yuan/person

Zhide Garden: Free admission

Children's Learning and Art Center: Free admission

Attraction opening hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30-18:30

Saturday-Sunday: 8:30-21:00

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Most Popular FAQs for National Palace Museum, Taipei

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The National Palace Museum in Taipei houses one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts in the world. The museum's collections date back over 5,000 years and include priceless pieces from ancient China, showcasing the country’s artistic, cultural, and historical heritage. Many items were moved from the Forbidden City during the Chinese Civil War and are now carefully preserved in Taipei.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The National Palace Museum is located in the Shilin District of Taipei. It can be reached by taking the Taipei MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Red Line to the Shilin station, followed by a short bus ride or a 10-minute taxi ride. Alternatively, buses 255 and 304 also serve the museum from different parts of the city.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning to avoid the large crowds that tend to visit on weekends.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The general admission fee is NT$350 for adults. Discounted tickets for students and seniors are available for NT$150. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the museum's website.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It’s not required to book tickets in advance, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons or for special exhibits. Booking 1-2 days in advance is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate its exhibits. If you plan to visit special exhibitions or the garden, you might need 4 hours or more.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Jade Cabbage, a delicately carved jade piece that is a symbol of luck.
• The Meat-shaped Stone, a rock that resembles a piece of braised pork.
• The painting and calligraphy collection, showcasing works by famous Chinese artists.
• The Tang and Song Dynasty ceramics collection, highlighting the finest in Chinese pottery.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in several languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Audio guides are also available in these languages and can be rented at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

There are beautiful views of the museum’s landscaped gardens and the surrounding mountains. Photography is allowed in the public areas but not in the exhibition halls, where flash photography is prohibited.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the ancient Chinese artifacts on the main floor, then proceed to the ceramics and jade sections. Don’t miss the special exhibitions and end with the beautiful garden outside the museum for a relaxing view of the surrounding area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The museum doesn’t offer night visits, but it’s beautifully lit in the evening. Special exhibitions and events may occur, so it’s advisable to check the schedule on the museum’s website.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can get crowded during weekends and holidays. For a more relaxed visit, plan to go during weekdays, especially in the morning hours.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are clean restrooms, a café, and a restaurant on-site. You’ll also find a gift shop selling souvenirs like Chinese calligraphy sets and art prints.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. There are ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs available. The museum is also family-friendly, with interactive exhibits for children.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and cards are accepted at the museum. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used in the museum.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• The National Palace Museum Café, offering light snacks and beverages.
• Silks Palace, a high-end restaurant serving gourmet Chinese cuisine.
• Nearby, you can find local food stalls offering Taiwanese snacks and dishes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

The museum’s café offers vegetarian and vegan options. There are also halal food options available in nearby restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Grand Victoria Hotel
• Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei
• Beitou Hot Spring Resort

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Shilin Night Market, for local street food and shopping.
• Beitou Hot Springs and Museum, for a relaxing bath after a day of sightseeing.
• Yangmingshan National Park, for hiking and scenic views.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There is a gift shop at the museum selling Chinese calligraphy, jade carvings, art prints, and traditional Chinese tea sets.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

The easiest way to continue your trip is by taking a taxi or the MRT from Shilin Station to other parts of the city. You can also take a bus to nearby areas like Beitou or Yangmingshan.