National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum, a Chinese palace-style architectural masterpiece, was completed in Waishuangxi in 1965. Its first to third floors house exhibition spaces, while the fourth floor features the 'Sanxitang' tea lounge. The museum boasts the world's largest collection of Chinese art treasures, primarily inherited from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, almost comprehensively covering five thousand years of Chinese history with nearly 700,000 artifacts. This extensive collection has earned the National Palace Museum the prestigious title of 'treasure house of Chinese culture.' Within the museum, there are two interpretations of the 'Three Treasures of the National Palace Museum.' One set, recognized by art academics, comprises three monumental Northern Song dynasty ink paintings. However, these are rarely exhibited, making them seldom seen in person. This led to the emergence of a popular, unofficial set of 'Three Treasures': the Jadeite Cabbage with Insects, the Meat-shaped Stone, and the Mao Gong Ding (Duke Mao Tripod). These three particular treasures are affectionately nicknamed after the Chinese folk dish 'Sour Cabbage Hot Pot with Pork' due to their resemblance. The National Palace Museum complex is flanked by two gardens: Zhishan Garden on the left and Zhide Garden on the right. Zhishan Garden, built in the style of Song dynasty architecture, is closed on Mondays but open to visitors at all other times. It features two ponds, three pavilions, and many fish and small animals, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy. Zhide Garden, located at the intersection of Zhishan Road and Gugong Road, currently offers free admission. Though not large, its entrance is a charming classical arched gate. Inside, a lotus pond bursts with blooming lotuses during the summer months. For those who wish to avoid the weekend crowds, the museum offers an extensive online experience. Visitors can preview various exhibitions through 'Exhibition Sneak Peeks,' appreciate the exquisite details of artifacts via 'Collection Appreciation,' or engage in 'Fantasy Interaction' to virtually step into ancient paintings and calligraphy and experience the works of bygone eras. For an even more immersive experience, the museum provides a 720° VR tour, allowing users to explore different areas in a virtual reality space, viewing or listening to exhibition and collection introductions anytime, anywhere, effectively bringing the National Palace Museum into your home. Beyond its rich exhibits, the National Palace Museum provides professional guided tours, regularly hosts various artifact study courses, special lectures, and traveling exhibitions, and publishes over a hundred types of publications and albums. It truly stands as a global cultural treasure and an essential destination for anyone visiting Taiwan. (Partially sourced from: National Palace Museum)