The National Palace Museum (NPM) in Taipei, Taiwan, is one of the world’s largest and most significant cultural institutions, housing a vast collection of Chinese imperial artifacts. If you’ve never visited before or it’s been a while since your last trip, there’s no better time to explore the museum’s incredible exhibits and the rich history it holds. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the National Palace Museum—from visiting tips to must-see exhibits, and everything in between.

I am quite surprised to find people online asking questions like ‘Is the National Palace Museum worth visiting?’ When the Kuomintang (KMT) party relocated to Taiwan in 1949, they brought an extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history to Taiwan, transporting them by sea. This is the only good thing they’ve ever done. It wasn’t until 2013, during my first visit to Beijing, that I discovered the stark contrast: the Forbidden City, while impressive architecturally, is an empty house. The vast majority of these treasures are now safely preserved and exhibited at the National Palace Museum in Taiwan
This review is based on my visit to the museum in December 2024. I spent 4 hour here but clearly you can spend the whole day. From what I found online, the Zishan Garden looks like a nice Chinese garden, a great spot for some photos.
How to Get to the National Palace Museum

Visiting the National Palace Museum is easy, whether you’re coming from within Taipei or beyond. The museum is located in the Shilin District of Taipei and is easily accessible via public transportation.
- By MRT: Take the Taipei MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to the Shilin Station. From there, you can catch a bus (R30, 303, or 304) that goes directly to the museum.
- By Taxi: Taxis are also a convenient option, and the ride from Taipei City Center typically takes around 20 minutes.
- By Car: If you prefer to drive, there is parking available at the museum, though it can be crowded during peak times.
Opening Hours of National Palace Museum and Admission Fees

The National Palace Museum is open every day of the week except for Mondays. Here are the details:
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays.
- Admission Fees:
- Adults: NT$350 (approximately US$12)
- Students: NT$150 (approximately US$5)
- Free entry for children under 18 and Taiwan students with a valid International student ID.

Additionally, the museum offers free admission on specific national holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Lantern Festival (usually in February)
- International Museum Day (May 18)
- Double tenth Day (October 10)
Discounted Tickets and Free Admission Days

The National Palace Museum offers several discounts and promotions for various visitors:
- Students: If you have a valid student ID from any Taiwanese institution, you can enjoy free entry into the museum.
- Elderly Visitors: Residents of Taiwan aged 65 and older can visit the museum for free on weekdays, while weekend visits are at a 50% discount.
- International Visitors: For foreign visitors, the entry fee is NT$350. However, if you hold a valid international student ID, you’ll pay the same price as local students (NT$150).
Taiwan: National Palace Museum E-Ticket at GetYourGuide
NPM Museum Northern & Southern Branch Ticket | Taipei & Chiayi at KKday

Additionally, if you plan on visiting multiple museums in Taiwan, be sure to check for discounts and combo ticket offers, such as reduced entry to the museum for those who have a ticket from other national museums. See the The Taiwan Alliance of Museums Discount paragraph at the official website.



Must-See Exhibits at the National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is home to over 700,000 pieces of historical Chinese art and artifacts. Here are some of the top exhibits you can’t miss during your visit. The picture about is one of the most famous paintings Along the River During the Qingming Festival, which wasn’t in display when I visited.
Beauty Speaks for Itself at National Palace Museum

Beauty Speaks for Itself features a collaboration with world-renowned luxury brands like Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA), showcasing a collection of exquisite jewelry and artifacts from Chinese history. This exhibition is currently moved to Southern Branch in Chiayi from January 23 to April 20, 2025.
I used to work as a translator at Cartier when the house held the exhibition“Royal Style: Qing Dynasty and Western Court Jewelry” at NPM in 2012. The exhibition reminds me of the old days.

The exhibit includes around 260 pieces, including royal jewelry, personal items, and rare artifacts, some of which are over 500 years old. The elegant display space highlights the intricate craftsmanship and rich history of these artifacts.


I was happy to see this greatly known delicate work of art, the carved olive pit of miniature boat


The windows are even workable!
The Jade Cabbage at National Palace Museum


No visit to the National Palace Museum is complete without seeing the world-famous Jade Cabbage. This extraordinary piece of jadeite carving depicts a cabbage with intricate details of leaves, and at its base, two hidden insects carved with incredible skill. The Jade Cabbage is a symbol of purity and is widely recognized as a masterpiece of Chinese art.
What makes this piece even more special is its cultural significance. It is often thought to represent fertility and prosperity, making it a popular subject of admiration.
Jade Cabbage will be on business trip to Czechia in a program of exchanging exhibits in September to October 2025.
The Ru Ware Collection

Another must-see exhibit at the museum is the Ru Ware Collection, one of the most valuable collections of Chinese ceramics. Ru ware is a rare type of porcelain produced during the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127). Known for its pale blue-green glaze and exquisite finish, it is considered one of the finest porcelain styles in Chinese history.
The National Palace Museum houses several pieces of Ru ware, and visitors can view the fine details of these delicate objects, which were once owned by the imperial family.

Sancai is a versatile type of decoration on Chinese pottery, there are Korean tour groups in the museum. Maybe just follow them if you want to have a peek on some valuable items.


The Splendor of Dream of the Red Chamber at National Palace Museum


For more detail, visit this page from NPM. The exhibition last until May 2026. I am not a fan but the Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the greatest novels.



Rococo Decorative Arts in the National Palace Museum
If you come with kids, don’t miss out this cute rococo room. For more detail, visit this page from NPM



Taiwan: National Palace Museum E-Ticket at GetYourGuide
NPM Museum Northern & Southern Branch Ticket | Taipei & Chiayi at KKday
Post Office at National Palace

Visitor Amenities


The National Palace Museum provides a wide range of amenities to enhance your visit:
- Luggage Storage: If you’re traveling light, the museum offers free luggage storage services, so you can freely explore the exhibits without worrying about your belongings.
- Dining: The museum has a restaurant that serves a variety of Taiwanese and Chinese dishes. It’s a great place to take a break and recharge before heading back into the exhibits.
- Audio Guides: For a more immersive experience, audio guides are available in multiple languages, providing rich details and context for the artworks and historical artifacts you’ll see.
National Palace Museum-Shop and Souvenirs

Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop to pick up unique souvenirs from your visit. NPM has been known for creative souvenirs. The shop carries a variety of cultural products inspired by the museum’s collections, including:
- Reproductions of Famous Artworks: High-quality replicas of popular pieces, such as the Jade Cabbage or Ru ware, are available for purchase.
- Traditional Chinese Crafts: The museum offers a variety of traditional Chinese crafts, including porcelain, silk items, and calligraphy sets.
- Books and Prints: For those who want to learn more about Chinese art and culture, the shop carries an extensive range of books and prints on these subjects.

We bought this cute hedgehog, inspired by the jade cabbage. This is popular on treads, an app widely used in Taiwan.


Jade Cabbage package Kuai Kuai. To know more about Kuai Kuai culture, visit this wiki thread. which is almost like a religion practiced among all (including overseas Taiwanese). Pro tip: only the unexpired green one that works, so with this Jade Package version, you just pay extra for the look. It tastes the same.
Kuai Kuai, a corn snack that hit the market as early as 1969, indeed is our childhood favorite. I just finished the five spice flavor (yellow one) today and the chocolate one in red is as delicious as well.

A beautiful collaboration with Paperself, a British tatoo sticker brand.
There’s also NPM stores at the Taoyuan International airport(TPE). The one at terminal 2 just reopened in Sep 2024.


Conclusion

A visit to the National Palace Museum is an unforgettable experience that allows you to delve into the heart of Chinese history and culture. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or someone simply looking to explore the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship, the museum offers something for everyone.
From the awe-inspiring Jade Cabbage to the stunning collection of Ru ware and the Beautify Speaks for Itself exhibition, there’s so much to explore and appreciate at the museum. Be sure to take your time, enjoy the tranquil surroundings, and immerse yourself in the stories of the artifacts.
For visitors to Taipei, a trip to the National Palace Museum should be high on your list. With its accessible location, rich collections, and excellent amenities, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Taiwan: National Palace Museum E-Ticket at GetYourGuide
NPM Museum Northern & Southern Branch Ticket | Taipei & Chiayi at KKday
From Taipei: Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Guided Day Trip at GetYourGuide
My mandarin version of this article can be found here.
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4 comments
This looks like such a fantastic museum! Some can be super boring, so thank you for letting me know I should add this to my To Do list!
I’ve been to many museums in the world and this one is one of the good ones!
I must add this to my bucket list
Why not? It’s a great museum!