Cultural Journey: From the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum to Taipei's Twin City Art Feast

Day 1: For this trip, I chose to start from Taipei and head to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi to experience the artistic and cultural atmosphere of southern Taiwan. Early in the morning, I took the high-speed rail southward and arrived in Chiayi after about an hour and a half. Then, I transferred to a shuttle bus directly to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum. The museum, themed as the "Asian Art and Culture Museum," features a modern design with water elements, resembling an art palace floating on a lake. I strolled through the main exhibition hall, admiring precious artifacts from China, Japan, Korea, India, and other Asian regions. The exhibitions of silk, ceramics, and Buddhist art deeply impressed me with the diversity and brilliance of Asian civilization. Among them, a Tang Dynasty ceramic piece caught my eye the most, with its glaze as smooth as jade, seemingly carrying the traces of time. I also joined a guided tour, where the detailed explanations brought the stories behind the artifacts to life. After leaving the exhibition hall, I walked to the lakeside garden outside, a vast green space with water areas, perfect for relaxation and photography. At noon, I enjoyed a simple meal with local specialties at the museum's restaurant, such as Chiayi turkey rice and Taiwanese tea snacks, which were both delicious and full of local flavor. In the afternoon, after a short rest, I headed to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, strolling through the forest and enjoying the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere of nature. By evening, I returned to Chiayi city and checked into a hotel, ending a fulfilling day. Day 2: On the second day, I returned to Taipei to continue my cultural exploration. In the morning, I visited the famous National Palace Museum in Taipei, which houses a vast collection of precious artifacts from the Palace Museum, perfectly complementing the Southern Branch. I specifically went to admire national treasures such as the Jadeite Cabbage and the Mao Gong Ding, whose intricate craftsmanship and profound history were awe-inspiring. At noon, I headed to the Tianmu shopping district, which blends exotic vibes with cultural and creative features. I had lunch at an Italian restaurant and browsed several handmade shops, picking up a few exquisite souvenirs for the trip. In the afternoon, I chose to visit the Huashan 1914 Creative Park to explore contemporary art exhibitions and cultural and creative markets. The exhibitions here were full of creativity and experimentation, with each exhibit area offering a refreshing experience. I also participated in a pottery-making workshop, crafting a small ceramic bowl by hand, adding an unforgettable memory to the trip. In the evening, I returned to the city and decided to end the trip at Ningxia Night Market, savoring authentic Taiwanese night market delicacies such as oyster omelets, beef rolls, and taro balls with shaved ice. The rich culinary experience provided a perfect conclusion to this cultural journey. The cultural dialogue between the Southern Branch and the National Palace Museum in Taipei, combined with diverse explorations of nature and the city, allowed me to deeply appreciate Taiwan's cultural depth and the beauty of life. This trip was full of surprises and memorable moments.