The National Palace Museum in Taipei might just be Taiwan’s most impressive tourist attraction. The museum boasts more than 700,000 artifacts and artworks spanning dynasties of Chinese history, and should be the top of any visitor to Taiwan’s itinerary. Located in Taipei’s Shilin District, the museum is a short drive away from Yangmingshan National Park – the only national park in Taiwan with hot springs and volcanic geography. Here’s how you’re going to spend a day combing history, nature and culture in northern Taipei. (You might also like: National Palace Museum Experiences: A day of History and Culture in Taipei)
9.30am – National Palace Museum
Start the tour at the world-famous National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院), Taipei’s impressive collection of Chinese and Taiwanese history. Here you’ll find an enormous, era-spanning, collection of exhibits, and will have the whole morning to explore. Headline pieces include the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped stone, while you mustn’t miss metalworks like the Zong Zhou Zhong Bell and breathtaking paintings from many accomplished artists. The National Palace Museum and its wide range of spectacular exhibits is an experience like no other. (Read more: [Taiwan Insider] Behind the Scenes at the National Palace Museum)
1pm – visit Lin Yutang House
Continuing your day of historical discovery, Lin Yutang House is the former Shilin residence of Lin Yutang, an inventor, linguist, translator, novelist and philosopher, born in Fujian, who was widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of his generation. Constructed in 1966, the house was designed by Lin himself and is a great example of the traditional Chinese four-sided walls style of house building.
2.30pm – Yangmingshan
Next, you’ll visit the impressive Yangmingshan National Park. Home to Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano, Qixing/Seven Star Mountain, the park boasts many hiking trails, hot springs, and sulfur deposits and, depending on the time of year you visit, is famous for its cherry blossoms. You may see some semi-feral cattle in the area, while you should also make sure to watch out for the odd snake! (Read more: Take a hike: the best hiking trails in Taiwan)
4.30pm – Shilin Night Market
Your final port of call will be the famous Shilin Night Market. Usually very crowded, at this market you’ll find shops and stalls selling almost everything you can think of. Popular ones include 豪大大雞排 (háo dàdà jī pái), known for its fried chicken and 炭烤臭豆腐 (tàn kǎo chòu dòufu), which serves up a charcoal grilled stinky tofu, a must-try for visitor’s to Taiwan for the first time. (You might also like: Seven Taiwan Night Markets Everyone Needs to Visit)
More about National Palace Museum
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- National Palace Museum Experiences: A day of History and Culture in Taipei
