How do I get to the National Palace Museum in Taiwan?

The easiest way is to take the MRT to Shilin Station (Red Line) and exit at Exit 1. From there, take bus Red 30 (紅30) or Small 18 (小18), which drop you off right at the main entrance.

How much are tickets to the National Palace Museum?

General admission for adults is 350 NTD (approx. $11 USD). Visitors under 18 years old can enter for free.

What are the opening hours of the National Palace Museum?

The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. The last admission is at 16:30.

Is there an audio guide available?

Yes, audio guides are available for rent at the 1st-floor counter for 150 NTD. They support multiple languages, including English. A valid ID or passport is required for rental.

What are the must-see artifacts at the museum?

The most famous exhibits are the Jadeite Cabbage (carved from jade) and the Meat-shaped Stone (resembling braised pork). It is recommended to see these on the 3rd floor.

National Palace Museum Taiwan: Tickets, Hours, Transport, and Highlights Guide

One of the essential destinations in Taipei is the National Palace Museum. It houses a vast collection of imperial artifacts moved from mainland China to Taiwan and is recognized as one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world due to its scale and the quality of its collection. Checking information on tickets, opening hours, transportation, and audio guides in advance will help you enjoy a more fulfilling visit. In this guide, we will cover everything from how to get there to the major highlights of the National Palace Museum.

National Palace Museum Taiwan

Pre-visit Checklist: Transport & Tickets

Transportation

The most convenient way to get there is MRT Shilin Station Exit 1 → Bus Transfer.

Bus stop for transfer at Shilin Station

Start: MRT Shilin Station, Exit 1
Location: Bus stop in front of Watsons
Recommended Routes: Red 30 (紅30), Small 18 (小18) → Drop off at the main entrance
Alternative Route: Bus 815 → Drop off at the plaza (requires a short walk to the main building)

Map showing bus stop location at Shilin Station

How to find the bus stop

Red 30 (紅30) and Small 18 (小18) drop you off right in front of the museum entrance, so these routes are highly recommended during hot weather.

If taking a taxi, it takes about 20 minutes from downtown Taipei / Fare is approx. 250 NTD ($8 USD).

Admission Tickets

Adults: 350 NTD (approx. $11 USD)
Under 18: Free
Audio Guide Rental: 150 NTD (approx. $5 USD, requires ID or Passport)

Tickets can be purchased on-site or booked online via platforms like Klook or KKday. Online purchases are often slightly cheaper and allow you to skip the queue by issuing tickets at the kiosk.

Opening Hours

Daily 09:00~17:00, Last admission is at 16:30.

Audio Guide and Viewing Highlights

Audio Guide Rental

After entering, you can rent an audio guide at the counter on the right side of the 1st floor. The rental fee is 150 NTD, and it supports multiple languages including English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

You need to present your passport for scanning to receive the device. You can listen to the commentary by entering the artifact's number or scanning its QR code.

The commentary is concise and well-organized, which is very helpful for understanding the historical context of the exhibits.

Must-See Highlights

We recommend a route starting from the 3rd floor and working your way down to the 1st floor. View the bronzes and jades on the 3rd floor, then the paintings and calligraphy on the middle floors, and finally the key masterpieces on the 1st floor. The exhibition is vast, so expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours to see it comfortably.

The Jadeite Cabbage is the most iconic artifact of the National Palace Museum. It is a masterful carving that looks exactly like a real bok choy cabbage. The semi-translucent green color of the jade naturally transitions from the leaves to the stems, with a locust and a katydid perched on the tips.

Jadeite Cabbage

This piece is interpreted as symbolizing the virtues of a woman in the Qing Dynasty imperial court, making it a popular spot where visitors linger. The sculpture is small but detailed, so it is best viewed up close.

The Meat-shaped Stone is a piece of jasper carved to look like a piece of "Dongpo Pork" (braised pork belly). The layers of red and brown stone look remarkably like real meat skin, fat, and lean meat. The texture, even down to the pores of the skin, is incredibly realistic, symbolizing abundance in royal cuisine.

Meat-shaped Stone

In addition, exhibitions are arranged by era and type, including Song Dynasty ceramics, Qing Dynasty bronzes, and ancient calligraphy. The painting and calligraphy gallery is particularly good for focused viewing, and there are rest areas available in between exhibits.

Other historical artifacts

Photography is only allowed in designated areas, so please check the signs before taking pictures.

Souvenir Shop & Cafe

After finishing your tour, head towards the exit on the 1st floor to find the Souvenir Shop. The shop is spacious and easy to navigate. Items featuring the museum's signature pieces, such as the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone, are popular, including magnets, postcards, and mugs. Prices are reasonable, with magnets around 100 NTD ($3 USD) and mugs around 250 NTD ($8 USD).

Souvenir Shop

There is a cafe next to the souvenir shop. It sells coffee, Taiwanese tea, and simple desserts like pineapple cakes, making it a great place to rest after your visit.

The National Palace Museum is a cultural landmark that fits perfectly into any Taipei itinerary. Preserving royal artifacts moved from mainland China, it offers a glimpse into both history and art. Use this guide on transport, tickets, and hours to plan your visit, and don't forget the audio guide to fully appreciate the treasures of Taiwan.