Exploring the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan
Chiayi City, Taiwan, isn’t just a pit stop for the legendary Alishan mountain trek—it’s also home to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum. Launched with the mission “Balance North and South – Culture Equally Rich,” this museum sprawls over 173 acres (70 hectares), featuring the museum buildings, an ecological garden, and an artificial lake. The outdoor grounds double as a fave spot for locals and visitors to stroll or get active. Today, let’s dive into the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan!
Architecture of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
The Taipei and Southern branches of the National Palace Museum stand as equals, teaming up to grow into Taiwan’s top cultural hubs, aiming for lasting cultural-artistic value across both regions. The Southern Branch covers 173 acres (70 hectares)—49 acres (20 hectares) for the museum itself and 124 acres (50 hectares) for the grounds. From the outside, it looks smaller than its Taipei sibling, but it’s way airier with wide-open views.
While Taipei’s Palace Museum oozes regal, sturdy imperial vibes, the Southern Branch has a quieter, mysterious feel—like a calligraphy masterpiece. The main path starts at either end of the Jhihmei Bridge (Chi Mei Bridge), an arched beauty inspired by the “dyeing” technique, weaving together two structures: the tangible “Moyun Building” (Ink Charm Tower) and the ethereal “Feibai Building” (Flying White Tower). These designs also nod to three ancient civilizations—Chinese, Indian, and Persian—whose blend fueled Asia’s vibrant cultural-artistic tapestry we see today.
Another cool perk? The Southern Branch snagged diamond-level Green Architecture and smart building certifications. It’s built to shrug off earthquakes, floods, and eco-damage, packed with cutting-edge tech to top standards. Take my tips along, and I guarantee your visit will feel richer and way more meaningful.
How to Get to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
The Southern Branch isn’t super well-known among Vietnamese travelers yet, so getting here can stump folks. But follow my guide, and you’ll roll up confident and ready.
Most start from Taipei. From there, grab a ticket on the THSR (Taiwan High-Speed Railway) from Taipei to Chiayi—it’s just 1 hour 20 minutes, way faster than a bus. New to this? Check out how to book HSR tickets for a DIY Taiwan trip here.
The National Palace Museum teams up with THSR to boost its vibe, so when you exit HSR Chiayi at Exit 2, look for signs pointing to the free shuttle bus stop—it’ll zip you straight to the Southern Branch. Plenty of buses run from HSR Chiayi too: numbers 105, 166, 168, 7235, 7702, Yellow 9, or Bus 33. Coming from elsewhere? Same deal—HSR to Chiayi, then follow my lead.
Already in Chiayi? Check your map—if it’s close, great! If not, hop the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) to HSR Chiayi and catch a bus as I laid out. Easy, right?
Tickets and Opening Hours for the Southern Branch
One key note: the museum closes Mondays weekly—so don’t plan a Monday visit, or you’ll be trekking back for nothing. Fun twist: if you’re in and out in under 30 minutes, you can snag an 80% refund. Pretty civilized, huh? Groups of 10+ get slapped with a 1 USD (30 NT$) fee for guided audio gear to keep noise down.
Bought a Taipei Palace Museum ticket? Hang onto it—within 3 months, it gets you free entry here. Not the reverse, though—haha! From the Southern Branch, a Taipei ticket (good for both sites within 3 months) is your combo key. Why the difference? Southern Branch entry is 5 USD (150 NT$) for all nationalities, while Taipei’s 11 USD (350 NT$) for international visitors.
Like Taipei, the Southern Branch is free for under-18s (any nationality), people with disabilities plus one companion (any nationality), and legit international volunteers with valid IDs. Audio guides rent for 3 USD (100 NT$) each—Vietnamese available.
What’s Inside the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum?
One outdoor gem: at 6:20 p.m., catch a 15-minute laser light show on Jhihmei Bridge—flashy enough to tempt you to linger past sunset. The Southern Branch’s sunset is stunning, and as I mentioned, the whole calligraphy-like layout glows under that golden hour.
Inside? Though smaller than Taipei, the Southern Branch digs deep, showcasing artifacts from Asia’s historical eras—including Vietnam. You’ll spot cultural mashups beyond just Chinese roots. Aiming big, it builds a global history collection, blending fields, borrowing international works for standout exhibits, and rolling out fresh, artsy cultural events to dish up unforgettable experiences.