News
What to see and do in Waishuangxi
2006-02-05
Waishuangxi is the name of the Taipei suburb in which the NPM is located. As it lies some distance from the city's commercial districts, it provides a quiet contrast from the congested Taipei streets.
Here are some suggestions for Waishuangxi attractions located within walking distance of the NPM:
Just to the west of the museum is the ZhiTe Garden, open to the public and free of charge. To the east of the museum's entryway is the ZhiShan Garden, completed in 1985, and featuring fine Sung Dynasty landscaping. For an admission fee of NT$10 enjoy a walk along covered pathways, under tall trees, among bamboo groves and along the banks of tranquil ponds.
Nearby is the home of Chang Dai-ch'ien, an important artist who heavily influenced modern Chinese painting. In 1985, Chang's family donated his residence to the museum. To view it, advance reservations must be made with the NPM.
A few minutes' walk further east brings you to the Indigenous Culture Park with winding paths and indigenous-themed stone statues and woodcarvings.
Across from this park is the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, an excellent place to start your exploration of Taiwan's indigenous culture.
Its exhibition areas are divided into four floors. In the first floor entrance area, interactive computer programs provide basic information about the indigenous tribes in Chinese, Japanese and English. There are also life-size photographs of Aborigines dating back more than 50 years, which are contrasted with what Aborigines look like today.
The permanent exhibition areas on the second and third floors and in the basement were recently renovated to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the museum's founding. A special exhibition area is located in the basement.
The second floor features miniature and life-sized models of traditional indigenous dwellings and village meeting halls. Also on display are pottery, baskets, hunting weapons and musical instruments. The third floor includes exhibits of traditional costumes and ornaments, while the basement area describes the belief systems of the tribes. Also in the basement is a theater showing films that introduce various aspects of indigenous culture such as weaving, pottery, and songs and dances. Outside the theater are small booths providing a variety of documentaries and indigenous music samples.
The Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines can be contacted at (02) 2841-2611; www.museum.org.tw.
Here are some suggestions for Waishuangxi attractions located within walking distance of the NPM:
Just to the west of the museum is the ZhiTe Garden, open to the public and free of charge. To the east of the museum's entryway is the ZhiShan Garden, completed in 1985, and featuring fine Sung Dynasty landscaping. For an admission fee of NT$10 enjoy a walk along covered pathways, under tall trees, among bamboo groves and along the banks of tranquil ponds.
Nearby is the home of Chang Dai-ch'ien, an important artist who heavily influenced modern Chinese painting. In 1985, Chang's family donated his residence to the museum. To view it, advance reservations must be made with the NPM.
A few minutes' walk further east brings you to the Indigenous Culture Park with winding paths and indigenous-themed stone statues and woodcarvings.
Across from this park is the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, an excellent place to start your exploration of Taiwan's indigenous culture.
Its exhibition areas are divided into four floors. In the first floor entrance area, interactive computer programs provide basic information about the indigenous tribes in Chinese, Japanese and English. There are also life-size photographs of Aborigines dating back more than 50 years, which are contrasted with what Aborigines look like today.
The permanent exhibition areas on the second and third floors and in the basement were recently renovated to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the museum's founding. A special exhibition area is located in the basement.
The second floor features miniature and life-sized models of traditional indigenous dwellings and village meeting halls. Also on display are pottery, baskets, hunting weapons and musical instruments. The third floor includes exhibits of traditional costumes and ornaments, while the basement area describes the belief systems of the tribes. Also in the basement is a theater showing films that introduce various aspects of indigenous culture such as weaving, pottery, and songs and dances. Outside the theater are small booths providing a variety of documentaries and indigenous music samples.
The Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines can be contacted at (02) 2841-2611; www.museum.org.tw.
