Hotels near National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum holds the largest collection of Chinese imperial artefacts in the world - close to 700,000 pieces, moved out of Beijing's Forbidden City between 1948 and 1949 during the Chinese Civil War. Only a fraction is on display at any moment, so the galleries rotate every few months and the official museum site lists what is currently out. Admission is TWD 350 (about EUR 10).

Two objects pull the crowds: the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Stone, both small enough that you queue behind tour groups for thirty seconds of viewing. The ritual bronzes and the calligraphy galleries are quieter and, for most visitors, the better hour. Allow three hours as a minimum. Large bags go into free lockers at the entrance, and photography is banned in several rooms.

Pro Tip: Arrive at 09:00 when the doors open, go straight up to the Jadeite Cabbage, then work downwards against the tour-group flow. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are the calmest of the week; Sunday afternoons are the worst.