| The 
                          National Palace Museum in Taipei is the world's most 
                          spectacular showcase of Chinese art and antiquities. 
                          Accumulated using all the resources available to Chinese 
                          emperors over the centuries, its collection enshrines 
                          the genius of imperial China's finest artists, scholars 
                          and craftsmen. 
                          The treasures of the National Palace Museum are a precious 
                          heritage of human civilization. From rustically hewn 
                          stone carvings of high antiquity to exquisitely carved 
                          fruit stones; from elegantly restrained Song porcelain 
                          to colorful Qing decorated ware; whether serene Buddhist 
                          sculptures, lustrous jades, exotic enamelware, fascinating 
                          curio cabinets, or Shang and Zhou ritual bronzes, each 
                          has its own special place in China's cultural history. 
                           Sit back and enjoy our six informative 
                          Theme Tours as they put Chinese art works and antiquities 
                          into context within Chinese cultural traditions. See 
                          how they weave art treasures together to illustrate 
                          ancient China's dining and drinking culture, explore 
                          mysterious animal designs on ritual vessels, display 
                          popular styles of dress and adornment, celebrate the 
                          refined amusements of the Chinese literary elite, and 
                          much more...  |