The National Palace Museum: A Must-Visit Destination in Taipei (故宮博物院）
The National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院) is one of Taipei’s most important cultural landmarks, home to over 700,000 pieces of Chinese art and historical treasures.
Growing up, my junior high school was nearby, and I vividly remember gazing at its grand, green-roofed structure on my bus rides. Over the years, I’ve visited multiple times—on school field trips, bringing foreign friends, and most recently, taking my 8-year-old son.
In the past, I thought of the National Palace Museum as a place best suited for history enthusiasts—a serious, educational space that demanded a respectful and formal attitude. It felt somewhat distant and unapproachable to the general public, especially children.
During my most recent visit in 2023, however, I noticed some big changes. The museum has become more down-to-earth, engaging, and appealing to the general public. I now see it as a great destination for families—kids will love it too!
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, including must-see artifacts, how to get there, insider tips, and how the museum has transformed into a more engaging space for all visitors.
Why Are These Priceless Artifacts in Taiwan?
You might be wondering: Why are these Chinese imperial treasures in Taipei instead of Beijing, China?
The National Palace Museum was established in 1965, but its collection dates back to Beijing’s Forbidden City. During the Chinese Civil War in the 1940’s, as conflict escalated, the valuable pieces from the Palace Museum in Beijing were carefully transported to Taiwan for safekeeping.
That’s why, if you visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, you will marvel at its grand architecture—but that’s just about it. To see the treasures and gems once owned by the emperors, you have to visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of Chinese art and cultural relics, including jade carvings, bronze vessels, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Many items date back thousands of years.
The museum rotates its exhibits regularly due to the size of its collection, which means there’s always something new to see.
Getting To The National Palace Museum
The museum is located in Shilin District, about 30 minutes from central Taipei. While there is no MRT station right next to the museum, you have a few easy options to get there:
By MRT + Bus
- Take the MRT Red Line to Shilin Station (士林站 R16) OR the Brown Line to Jiannan Road Station (劍南路站 BR15).
- Exit the station and transfer to a bus heading to the National Palace Museum (buses R30, 255, 304, or S18 will take you there).
- The bus ride is about 10–15 minutes.
- Tip: Use Google Maps for real-time bus schedules.
By Taxi or Uber
- Taxi from Taipei Main Station: ~NT$300, 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi from Shilin MRT Station: ~NT$100, 10 minutes.
- Uber is widely available in Taipei. I actually prefer Uber because it allows me to see my fare and route in advance.
Hours, Tickets, Self-Guided Tours,…etc
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Ticket Prices: Regular entry NT$350, student discounts available.
- Multimedia Guides: With a lightweight audio hand-held device, you can enjoy personalized tours during your visit in the galleries. It is available is multiple languages and you can rent the device at the Audio Guide Counter for NT$150. Visiting with Kids? You can also rent the multimedia guide designed for children of age 7-12 for NT$100.
3 Must-See Treasures At National Palace Museum (故宮三寶）
With over 700,000 treasures in its collection, it’s impossible to display them all at once, so the exhibits rotate regularly. When you visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei, here are three must-see treasures :
Jadeite Cabbage (翠玉白菜):
This delicate jade carving resembles a piece of bok choy, with a grasshopper and katydid cleverly hidden among its leaves. It’s one of the museum’s most famous artifacts and a symbol of purity and fertility.
Meat-shaped Stone (肉形石):
This piece of jasper is carved and colored to look exactly like a piece of braised pork belly. Its incredible realism makes it a favorite among visitors.
Mao Gong Ding (毛公鼎):
This ancient bronze vessel is not only a masterpiece of craftsmanship but also contains the longest inscription found on any similar artifact, providing valuable insights into ancient Chinese history and culture.
These pieces are iconic highlights of the museum and showcase the extraordinary skill and creativity of Chinese artisans throughout history.
The Museum’s Transformation In Recent years
As I mentioned earlier, I feel that the museum has made some big changes to better engage the general public. It’s become more interesting and accessible, making it easier for visitors to connect with and understand the exhibits.
Here’s what I mean:
Interactive Displays That Bring History to Life
One of the standout features of the museum is its use of modern interactive displays.
Several famous paintings have been digitized to offer an immersive experience. I remember standing in front of one digital painting, completely mesmerized as the streets and people came to life across the four seasons. The painting truly comes alive, with people moving and bustling about the town.
In another gallery, I saw my own image reflected in a beautiful scenery painting. The experience felt real, with the sounds of birds, wind, and rain all around me, and even a gentle breeze brushing against my skin. It was such a cool and unique moment—I felt like I had stepped right into the artwork.
It’s an extraordinary way to experience these masterpieces and feel deeply connected to history.
Modern Gallery Displays
The gallery spaces have evolved to appeal to a broader audience. With the integration of modern technology and design, the displays have become far more dynamic and engaging.
When I visited in the summer of 2023, I explored a gallery that recreated a room from a Qing Dynasty prince’s residence. The thoughtful design of the space made the experience unforgettable.
The lighting, the way the artifacts were showcased, and how each item told the story of the room all worked together to create a vivid and immersive atmosphere. One feature that stood out was a wall of displays designed specifically as a photo spot, adding a modern touch while enhancing the connection to history.
The layout of the gallery and the descriptions of the exhibits are now designed to be easily understood by everyone—not just history enthusiasts—making the experience more accessible and enjoyable for all visitors.
A Fun and Educational Children’s Gallery
If you are bringing young kids with you, they will love the children’s gallery—it’s such a fantastic space that blends interactive digital technology with hands-on displays. It’s a great place to keep young visitors engaged while making art and history fun and accessible.
Don’t forget to sign up for a free guided class to explore the galleries and create crafts. My son loved his time in the children’s gallery! He had so much fun touring the space and made a paper craft inspired by one of the museum’s most famous artifacts. It was such a memorable experience for both of us.
Beautiful Souvenirs at the Gift Shops
Be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore the gift shop before you leave—it’s packed with so many amazing souvenirs you won’t want to miss!
The museum has an impressive gift shop filled with a wide range of beautiful souvenirs. It’s clear that many of the items are designed with young people in mind—their trendy and stylish designs really stand out.
They also offer an online store. Here is a glimpse of what they have: National Palace Museum Online Store – Popular Items
You’ll find everything from magnets, file folders, notebooks, and bookmarks to mugs, all inspired by the museum’s famous artifacts. There are also books that provide fascinating insights into the museum and its collection.
A Wonderful Dining Experience
Located on the top floor of the museum, the restaurant is another highlight.
The elegant ambiance and beautifully arranged dishes make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring the exhibits. The food is not only delicious but also thoughtfully presented, adding to the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
The National Palace Museum has transformed into a space that truly caters to everyone. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a family with young children, this museum offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
If you find yourself in Taipei, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this incredible destination. It’s a place where history meets innovation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
