Taiwan Food Atlas

Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum

Water Mirror Gallery Reflecting Asian Civilizations — Southern Taiwan's Cultural Flagship
📍 Chiayi · Taibao City · National Palace Museum Avenue🎨 Cultural Complex🔖 Asian Art · Water Mirror Architecture · International Collections

Opened in Taibao City, Chiayi, in 2015, the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum focuses its collection on Asian art and culture, housing over 30,000 artifacts from India, the Islamic world, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The building is defined by its water mirror gallery and lotus pond, a design that has earned multiple international architecture awards. It is the largest world-class museum in southern Taiwan.

Highlights of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum

The museum building was designed by the architectural firm Kris Yao | Artech, drawing on the concepts of "mountain" and "water" to echo Taiwan's landscape. The water mirror gallery reflects the surrounding scenery on its surface, with light and shadow shifting richly on clear days — the most photographically compelling outdoor space on the museum grounds. The lotus pond and surrounding landscape walkways invite a leisurely outdoor stroll after browsing the galleries; the complex is expansive, so allow plenty of time.

The collection focuses on the culturally diverse Asian artifacts that the main branch in Taipei rarely displays, including Buddhist art from the Indian subcontinent, Islamic geometric craftsmanship, Southeast Asian religious sculpture, and East Asian lacquerware and ceramics. Regular special exhibitions take cross-cultural exchange as their theme, bringing in international collaborative shows and offering visitors in Taiwan a rare window onto Asian civilization — ideal for those with an interest in antiquities and world history.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

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Photography at the water mirror galleryMorning light on a clear day is optimal, when the reflections are sharpest. This is the museum's most iconic photographic scene; budget about 30 minutes to linger and shoot.
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Focus on the key galleriesThe complex is large. Check the official website before your visit to see the current exhibitions, then zero in on one or two thematic galleries that interest you most, rather than trying to cover everything.
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A strategy for Asian civilizationsThe Southern Branch's collection centers on Asian artifacts rarely shown in Taipei. Make a point of exploring the Indian Buddhist and Islamic art galleries for something you won't find at the main museum.
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Plan your transport in advanceTaibao City is somewhat out of the way; driving is the most convenient option and parking is ample. If using public transit, confirm shuttle bus schedules to avoid being stranded.

Practical Information

Getting There & Hours

  • Located on National Palace Museum Avenue in Taibao City; by car, exit Freeway 1 at the Shuishang interchange and follow the signs. Shuttle buses from Chiayi city are also available — check the official website for schedules.
  • Open Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday (adjusted on public holidays). Admission fees and opening hours follow official announcements.

Nearby Connections

  • The HSR Chiayi Station is about a 20-minute drive away, making this a convenient stop for travelers passing through on the high-speed rail.
  • Chiayi city attractions such as Chiayi Park and the Chiayi City Art Museum are roughly 20–30 minutes away by car, enabling a full-day Chiayi cultural route.

Source: Official information from the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum and publicly available architectural records. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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