National Palace Museum Tours

National Palace Museum
Once kept for the solitary enjoyment of emperors, today the world’s largest collection of Chinese antiquities and treasures can be enjoyed by all.

Visit the National Palace Museum to see one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, spanning 8,000 years of multiple dynasties. The museum was created in 1925, just 13 years after the establishment of the Republic of China.  

Follow China's history chronologically through exhibits from the Chinese Neolithic culture of 4500 to 2700 B.C., to the 20th century. Examine Chinese bronzes and jades and learn about the history of Chinese ceramics and pottery. Admire paintings from the Tang dynasty, calligraphy from the Chin dynasty, rare books from the Sung dynasty and documents from the Ch' ing dynasty.

A favorite exhibit is that of the incredible carvings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Don’t miss the carving inside a walnut shell, which is best viewed through a magnifying lens, or the boat carved from a tiny olive stone. From lacquerware and musical instruments, to pocket watches and glassware, the museum’s collection is so vast that the exhibits are in constant rotation. 

Take a break and enjoy dim sum or sip Chinese tea in the Sanxitang Teahouse. the museum also has two cafés and a restaurant. If you are visiting on the weekends, enjoy the free traditional music. 

The museum emphasizes learning and hosts weekly events, discussions and art performances. There are storytelling activities, an educational children’s garden, family activities and an e-learning resource. Attend a workshop on Chinese calligraphy or a class on Chinese art history and aesthetics.You can reach the National Palace Museum by bus and train.

Opening hours vary depending on the exhibition, so call ahead if there is something specific you wish to see. Arrive early to avoid tour bus crowds. Personal and audio-guided tours in English are also available. There are admission discounts for students, children and people with disabilities. Note that taking photographs and videos is prohibited in the exhibition halls.

Plan a trip to see National Palace Museum

Artinn hotel
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Taipei
The Grand Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore National Palace Museum

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of National Palace Museum

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
344
" "5 - Excellent 62.31884057971015%
4 - Good
164
" "4 - Good 29.71014492753623%
3 - Okay
38
" "3 - Okay 6.884057971014493%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7246376811594203%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.36231884057971014%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 22, 2019

Lot to see. Allow plenty of time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 5, 2019

Try for off times when the tour groups aren’t so prevalent. It can be difficult to see things otherwise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 22, 2019

We only had 2 hours and wish we had more time. Allow yourself a half day and join the guided tour. We joined an English speaking tour and it was so helpful! We were lucky and walked up and joined but would be best to reserve on line.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 18, 2019

unfortunately many of the most famous pieces were not on view.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Dec 12, 2018

Strictly no backpack. I was denied entry due to my backpack even though I wasn't carrying it the way it should be for a backpack. As my backpack could be carried in multi ways, I slung it over my shoulder like a tote bag, but still I wasn't allowed entry. Got to keep my belongings in the locker for NTD10.

4/5 - Good

MIn
Nov 21, 2018

It is overwhelmingly huge.  Furthermore, there are so many group tours standing in front of displays—talking loudly and pointing— it is often difficult to see and take time to absorb everything.  Exhibition hall 2 is closed.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near National Palace Museum

 Shihlin 13House
Shihlin 13House
3 out of 5
No.13, Furong St., Shilin Dist., Taipei
Shihlin 13House
The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1 Zhongshan N Road Sec 4, Zhongshang District, Taipei
The Grand Hotel
Yusense Hotel
Yusense Hotel
4 out of 5
No.55 Section 2 Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Yusense Hotel
Grand Mayfull Hotel Taipei
Grand Mayfull Hotel Taipei
5 out of 5
No.55, Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan Dist., Taipei
Grand Mayfull Hotel Taipei
Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel
Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel
4 out of 5
No 8 Ln 470, Section 5, Zhongshan North Rd, Shilin, Taipei
Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel
Dandy Hotel Tianmu Branch
Dandy Hotel Tianmu Branch
3.5 out of 5
No.2, Ln. 728, Sec. 6, Zhongshan N. Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei
Dandy Hotel Tianmu Branch
Hotel Indigo Taipei North, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo Taipei North, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
NO. 200, ZHIFU RD., ZHONGSHAN DISTRICT, Taipei
Hotel Indigo Taipei North, an IHG Hotel
Wego Boutique Hotel - Dazhi
Wego Boutique Hotel - Dazhi
3.5 out of 5
No. 11, Jingye 3rd Rd., Zhongshan Dist, Taipei
Wego Boutique Hotel - Dazhi
Taipei Marriott Hotel
Taipei Marriott Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No. 199 Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei
Taipei Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.