National Palace Museum
When most people think of traveling
to Taiwan, images of breathtaking Sun
Moon Lake or the towering Taipei 101
skyscraper come to mind. While these
destinations are iconic for a reason,
there is so much more to discover
on the island. In particular, Taiwan
is home to a myriad of museums
that offer a window into its diverse
cultures, rich history and natural
heritage. Whether exploring the
world’s largest collection of Chinese
artifacts in Taipei City or discovering
a lesser-known craft museum in the
countryside, Taiwan’s museum network
has something for every traveler.
City Attractions
Begin your cultural journey in
Taipei City with a tour of Taiwan’s
National Palace Museum. Built in
the architectural style of a Chinese
palace, the museum houses more than
600,000 artifacts spanning several
thousand years of Chinese history.
The National Museum of Natural Science,
located in the heart of Taichung City,
is another must-see destination.
Be sure to wear your walking shoes
to visit the museum, as it spans
22 acres and consists of five venues:
the Space IMAX Theater, Science
Center, Life Science Hall, Human
Cultures Hall, Botanical Garden
and Global Environment Hall.Small-Town Sights
Just 30 minutes from the center
of Taipei City, the bubbling mineral
waters and green mountains of Beitou
greet travelers looking for a restorative
getaway. While you’re there, stop
into the Beitou Hot Spring Museum,
a restored bathhouse from the Japanese
Colonial Era, to learn about the
history of Beitou’s hot spring spas.Outside of Taichung City, don’t miss
the small town of Sanyi, also known
as Taiwan’s Woodcarving Kingdom.
The Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum,
a quick taxi ride from the Sanyi Train
Station, displays a rotating collection
of awe-inspiring carvings and tells the
story of how wood sculpture evolved
from one man’s hobby into a cultural
and commercial mainstay of the town
over the course of the 20th century. •ADVERTISEMENTSanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
There’s always more to explore in Taiwan.
eng.taiwan.net.twThere’s More to Explore in Taiwan