Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cochin ceramic panels above the arched doors in the main hall, as well as the exquisite
stone and woodcarvings throughout.
You can reach the temple most easily by heading up Jihe St from Jiantan MRT and
turning right at Da Nan St.
FAR FROM THE MADDING MUSEUM CROWD
Let's face it, touring a world-class museum is not enjoyable if you literally have to
battle the masses to see anything worthwhile. And since Taiwan opened to Chinese
tourism in 2008, the National Palace Museum has become unbearable at times.
Fortunately, if you can schedule your visit for Friday or Saturday evening after 6pm
(tour groups leave then for dinner and do not return), you will find the museum the
vessel of quietude and fine art it once was.
National Taiwan Science Education Centre
MUSEUM
(Guólì Táiwān Kēxué Jiàoyù Zhōngxīn;
http://ntsec.gov.tw
;
189 Shihshang Rd; adult/child NT$100/
70; 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, to 6pm Sat & Sun; Shilin)
Interactive exhibits at this children's
museum cover the gamut of scientific knowledge, from anatomy (a walk-through digest-
ive tract!) to zoology (a cat-head-shaped helmet that gives the wearer feline hearing
powers) to chemistry, life science and physics. There's good English translations at every
point. The 3D theater and special exhibits are not covered by the general admission tick-
et.
Taipei Astronomical Museum
MUSEUM
(Tiānwén Kēxué Jiàoyùguǎn;
www.tam.gov.tw
; 363 Jihe Rd; adult/child NT$40/20; 8.50am-5pm
Tue-Fri & Sun, 9am-8pm Sat; Shilin)
This children's museum houses four floors of con-
stellations, ancient astronomy, space science and technology, telescopes and observator-
ies. Though a good place to while away an hour, there is a dearth of English content.
More English-friendly attractions (at an extra charge) are at the IMAX theatre, 3D
theatre and the 'Cosmic Adventure', an amusement-park ride through 'outer space'.
