Taipei National Palace Museum: A Cultural Feast Across Millennia

From Bronze Inscriptions to Imperial Calligraphy, Decoding the Genes of Chinese Civilization 1. Must-See Treasures: A Glimpse into Millennia of Civilization 1. Mao Gong Ding (Western Zhou Dynasty) • Highlight: The 500-character inscription on the cauldron, the longest existing bronze inscription, records the enfeoffment of vassals by King Xuan of Zhou, known as the 'Bronze History Book.' • Interactive: AR guide can 3D restore the process of making inscription rubbings. 2. Jadeite Cabbage (Qing Dynasty) • Mystery: The locusts and katydids on the cabbage symbolize 'many children and grandchildren,' with natural jadeite textures and exquisite carving. • Surprise: The cultural and creative store offers cabbage-shaped ice cream, a summer exclusive. 3. Meat-Shaped Stone (Qing Dynasty) • Secret: The agate, weathered over millions of years, forms the texture of 'Dongpo Meat,' with a realistic oily sheen. • Photo Spot: The 'Jade Workshop' in the basement allows you to touch replica meat stones. 4. Draft of a Requiem to My Nephew (Tang Dynasty, Yan Zhenqing) • Impact: The second most famous running script in the world, with ink strokes interwoven with blood and tears, depicting the tragic song of the An Lushan Rebellion. • Exhibition: The current 'Painting and Calligraphy' special exhibition (until 2025.04.13) allows comparison of calligraphy evolution through the ages. 5. Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains (Yuan Dynasty, Huang Gongwang) • Legend: The first part of the scroll, 'Remaining Mountain,' is housed in Zhejiang Provincial Museum, while the latter part, 'Wuyongshi Scroll,' is exhibited here, witnessing the cultural connection between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. 2. In-Depth Tour Route: 3-Hour Essential Route Morning Session (09:00-12:00) • 3F Painting and Calligraphy Gallery: Focus on 'Letter about a Snowy Day' and 'Traveling Among Mountains and Streams,' with the least crowd an hour before closing. • 2F Ceramics Gallery: Must-see Ru Kiln Celadon Narcissus Basin and Ding Kiln White Porcelain Baby Pillow, with lighting design restoring Song Dynasty aesthetics. Afternoon Session (13:30-17:00) • 1F Bronze Ware Area: Mao Gong Ding and San Shi Pan form the twin jewels of Western Zhou ritual vessels, with a focus on comparing inscriptions. • B1 Children's Art Center: Parents and children can experience ancient jade drilling and pottery painting (reservation required). Hidden Routes: • 4F Sanxitang: Designed like Qianlong's study, with daily guqin performances at 15:00 (free). • Zhishan Garden: Japanese-style garden suitable for Hanfu photoshoots, with red walls and green tiles clashing with dry landscape. 3. Transportation and Tickets: Time-Saving Guide 1. Transportation Options • MRT + Bus: Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Shilin Station Exit 1, transfer to Red 30/255 bus (15 minutes total). • Car Service: Shared ride from hotel to museum about 150 TWD/person, suitable for family trips. 2. Ticket Policy • General Admission: 350 TWD (adults), 175 TWD for students/military/police. • Free Admission: Under 18 and Taiwan ID holders free year-round. • Special Exhibition Tickets: Current 'Bestowed Gifts' exhibition (until 06.08) adds 200 TWD, includes artifact restoration experience. 4. Food and Souvenirs: Double Enjoyment of Taste and Craft 1. Recommended Dining • Silks Palace: Try 'Jadeite Cabbage Dumplings' and 'Mao Gong Ding Beef Noodles,' average 400 TWD per person. • Sanxitang Teahouse: Order 'Ru Kiln Celadon Cup' with Dongding Oolong, appreciating the beauty of utensils. 2. Must-Buy Souvenirs • Practical: Jadeite Cabbage USB (150 TWD), Mao Gong Ding Bookmark (80 TWD). • Artistic: Reproduction of 'Draft of a Requiem to My Nephew' (800 TWD), Digital Print of 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' (1200 TWD). • Limited Edition: 'Qianlong Imperial Poems' bookmark set (300 TWD) from the current special exhibition. 5. Practical Tips: Secrets to Avoiding Crowds 1. Time Selection • Weekday Mornings: Least crowded at 9:00 opening, recommended to be the first to enter. • Friday/Saturday Night Sessions: Open from 18:30 to 20:30, artifacts under lighting have a unique charm. 2. Services • Audio Guide: Chinese version 200 TWD/unit, includes explanations of 20 key artifacts. • Rest Areas: Each floor has a tea break area, recommended 2F 'Zhishan Garden' viewing spot. 3. Photography Rules • No Flash: Especially for calligraphy and painting artifacts, violators fined 2000 TWD. • Best Spots: ◦ 1F Atrium Spiral Staircase (overhead shot of crowd and architecture) ◦ 4F Window View (framed shot of Jadeite Cabbage display case) 6. Nearby Attractions: One-Day Cultural Itinerary Morning: National Palace Museum → Shilin Residence (Chiang Kai-shek's former residence, 15-minute walk) Afternoon: Zhishan Garden Teahouse → Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum (modern architecture + special exhibitions, 10-minute bus ride) Evening: Shilin Night Market (2 km from the museum, recommended 'Ah Zong Mian Xian') 📸 Top 5 Photo Spots 1. Reflection composition in front of Jadeite Cabbage display case 2. Close-up of Mao Gong Ding inscription with AR projection interaction 3. Sanxitang window lattice light and shadow with guqin performance scene 4. Silks Palace restaurant's utensil aesthetic still life 5. Bronze ware patterns under night lighting 🎁 Pre-Visit Checklist ✅ Power Bank (charging cables prohibited in exhibition halls) ✅ Comfortable Sneakers (average 20,000 steps per day) ✅ Foldable Stool (some exhibition areas lack seating) ✅ Traditional Chinese Character Handbook (for elderly exhibit descriptions) 📅 Special Reminder • Current Special Exhibitions: ◦ 'Bestowed Gifts: Imperial Gifts in Qing Dynasty Documents' (until 06.08): Unveiling the hidden rules of officials receiving gifts. ◦ 'Visible Dream of the Red Chamber' (until 2026.05.17): Comparing artifacts with novel scenes. The Taipei National Palace Museum is not just a museum, but a three-dimensional history of Chinese civilization. Here, every artifact tells a story that transcends time and space, waiting for you to listen with your eyes and heart.