SIMPLY OUTSTANDING.
Covering 8,000 years of Chinese history, with a collection of 700,000 items, from delicate porcelains, clay figures, jewelry, weapons and manuscripts, The National Palace Museum deserves its place amongst the most visited sites in Taiwan.
The collection was moved from Beijing by Chiang Kai-Shek’s Koumintang government away from invading Japanese forces. Later, with Mao’s forces closing in on victory, the collection was spirited away across the Straits. Beijing would dearly love it back- and you’ll understand when you see it.
With mainland Chinese now allowed easy access to Taiwan, the crowds at this source of Chinese pride are immense.
Come early. When the package tourists finish their buffet breakfast, they’ll bus on in and it gets busy. Elbows out kind of busy.
A proper look will take you many, many hours. I think we had lunch nearby (Din Tai Fung!) about 3 or 4 in the afternoon.
