National Palace Museum

Today was our day to visit the National Palace Museum.  

 

We had to take a bus out to the place which was about 30 minutes away. 

The museum has artifacts from each ancient Chinese dynasty as well as some more modern pieces from ethnic groups today.  We weren't allowed to take any pictures inside, which is too bad.  That really was the only negative thing about the place.  Not many people will get a chance to go visit it, and you can't even share pictures with others.  I'm sure it was in part that the objects were very old and for security reasons.  It was incredible to see pieces from thousands of years ago and all very beautiful. 

The artifacts were taken by the democratic national government when they fled China to come to Taiwan at the time of the communist takeover in China.  Thankfully, they have stayed and now I got a chance to see them all.

While we were there Andy took me to a tea house on the top floor.  Very special. 

I told Andy this was my favorite place to visit on the trip because it thought the hills were beautiful.  Much different then being in the valley. 

 

The two most famous pieces in the museum are the two below.  No, I did not take these photos.  Yes, these are the only two things in the whole museum for which you have to stand in a very long line.  The first is a jade cabbage with a cricket on top.  It is not really the most amazing artifact, but it has become a national treasure for Taiwan and has become according to the public, the most important artifact in the museum.  Andy and I now own a replica.     

 

Next is the meat-shaped stone.  It did look like a piece of meat.  Andy and I do not have a replica. :)