How to Plan Your Visit to Taipei’s National Palace Museum and Taiwan Aborigines Museum

Taipei is a city that offers endless opportunities for exploration, and its museums are a must-visit attraction. If you’re interested in ancient Chinese culture and history, as well as the unique and vibrant culture of Taiwan’s local tribes, a visit to Taipei’s National Palace Museum and Taiwan Aborigines Museum is a must. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your visit, what to expect, and how to make the most out of your educational adventure.

Experience

The tour we recommend is led by a third-party company and offers an informative and enjoyable experience. The highlights of this tour include:

• Visit two of Taiwan’s best museums in one day
• Learn about ancient Chinese culture and history as well as Taiwan’s local tribes
• Enjoy the extensive art collections in both museums, including the well-known jadeite cabbage carving
• Broaden your knowledge through the use of an audio guide with lively commentary

Planning Your Visit

If you’re interested in taking this tour, we recommend booking it in advance using this link. The tour duration is approximately 8 hours, and it is available daily.

You can also visit these museums on your own, but note that you’ll have to purchase tickets separately for each museum. The best way to get there is to take the MRT, and the nearest stations are Shilin Station for the National Palace Museum and Dazhi Station for the Taiwan Aborigines Museum.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is a treasure trove of Chinese art and artifacts. The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of Chinese art collected by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s impossible to see everything in one visit, but the museum’s extensive permanent collection includes jade carvings, bronze wares, and various forms of calligraphy and paintings.

The must-see artifact in the museum is the jadeite cabbage carving. This piece of jade is carved to look like a head of cabbage and has a small locust and a grasshopper hiding among the leaves. It’s a masterpiece of craftsmanship and is among the most famous pieces in the museum.

The audio guide is a helpful tool to learn more about the artifacts, their history, and cultural significance. The audio guide is available in several languages and offers lively commentary that will enrich your visit to the museum.

Taiwan Aborigines Museum

The Taiwan Aborigines Museum is an excellent place to learn about Taiwan’s indigenous tribes and their fascinating cultures. You can redeem your entrance tickets for the entire day at Taipei’s Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, which is nearby the Taiwan Aborigines Museum.

Inside the museum, you’ll find interesting exhibitions that showcase the history and cultures of Taiwan’s local tribes. You can also watch films shown in the auditorium, which provides deeper understanding of the present conditions for aborigines in the country.

The museum also features cultural performances and workshops that are enjoyable and educational for visitors of all ages. Overall, the museum is a great place to learn about the rich and diverse cultures of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples.

Conclusion

Visiting Taipei’s National Palace Museum and Taiwan Aborigines Museum is an excellent choice for anyone interested in art, history, and cultural diversity. With an informative tour guide or on your own, you can spend hours enjoying the excellent art collection and learning about the fascinating culture of Taiwan’s local tribes.

Make sure to book your tour in advance using this link and bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and an open mind!

Frequently Asked Questions About Taipei City

Taipei City is the capital city of Taiwan and one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Asia. It is known for its night markets, skyscrapers, temples, and food. If you are planning a trip to Taipei City, you might have some questions about the city. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Taipei City.

1. What is the best time to visit Taipei City?

Taipei City can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is from December to February when the weather is cool and dry. The city experiences a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. During the summer months from June to August, the city experiences heavy rainfalls and typhoons, which may disrupt your travel plans.

2. How do I get to Taipei City?

Taipei City is served by two airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Songshan Airport. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main gateway to Taipei City and is located about 40 kilometers west of the city. Taipei Songshan Airport is closer to the city center and mainly operates domestic flights and flights to East Asia.

You can also take a train or bus to Taipei City. The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) connects Taipei City to other cities in Taiwan, while the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) operates train services to other parts of Taiwan. Buses are an economical option and connect Taipei City to other parts of Taiwan.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Taipei City?

Taipei City is home to many attractions, including:

• Taipei 101 – a 101-story landmark skyscraper and a symbol of modern Taipei
• National Palace Museum – a treasure trove of Chinese art and artifacts
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – a historical and cultural landmark dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China
• Longshan Temple – a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple in the heart of Taipei City
• Shilin Night Market – a bustling night market offering a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and clothing
• Ximending – a vibrant and trendy district known for its shopping, entertainment, and street food

4. What is the currency used in Taipei City?

The currency used in Taipei City is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, or at the airport. Credit cards are widely accepted in Taipei City, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls.

5. What is the tipping culture in Taipei City?

Tipping is not customary in Taipei City. However, it is common to leave a small amount of change (usually between 5-10%) in restaurants or for taxi drivers. Some high-end restaurants may include a service charge on the bill.

6. What is the local cuisine of Taipei City?

Taipei City is known for its street food culture and night markets. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Xiao Long Bao – steamed pork dumplings with soup inside
• Beef Noodle Soup – a hearty noodle soup with tender beef
• Oyster Omelet – a popular Taiwanese snack made with oysters and eggs
• Taiwanese Fried Chicken – crispy fried chicken seasoned with spices
• Stinky Tofu – fermented tofu with a strong odor but a unique taste

7. What is the public transportation system like in Taipei City?

Taipei City has a well-developed public transportation system, including an extensive subway system (MRT), buses, and taxis. The MRT is the most convenient and economical way to get around Taipei City. The MRT connects all major districts and tourist attractions in Taipei City.

8. What is the language spoken in Taipei City?

The official language of Taipei City is Mandarin Chinese. However, many people also speak Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and English, especially in tourist areas.

9. Is Taipei City safe for tourists?

Taipei City is considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any other city in the world, it is always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and night markets. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, so it is advisable to keep your valuables safe.

In conclusion, Taipei City is a vibrant and exciting city with many attractions, delicious food, and a rich culture. By planning ahead and following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Taipei City.