National Palace Museum Southern Branch

To "balance north and south, and ensure cultural equity" and drive the cultural, educational, social, and economic development of central and southern Taiwan, the Executive Yuan approved the establishment of the National Palace Museum Southern Branch in Taibao City, Chiayi County, on December 15, 2004 (Republic of China Year 93). It is positioned as an "Asian Art and Culture Museum." Exhibitions primarily feature the museum's rich collection, supplemented by international loans, actively planning a variety of exciting exhibitions, and fulfilling all functions expected of a modern museum, including collection, research, conservation, education, exhibition, entertainment, leisure, and cultural creativity. The museum's architecture employs three techniques from Chinese ink wash painting – dense ink, "flying white," and wash – to create solid volumes for exhibition spaces and artifact storage, ethereal volumes for public reception areas, and permeable connecting spaces. This symbolizes the interwoven cultures of China, India, and Persia, which together form the long-standing and diverse Asian civilization, aligning with the mission of "NPM Southern Branch – Asian Art and Culture Museum." Permanent Exhibitions: Tracing the Buddha's Image: The Beauty of Asian Buddhist Art in the National Palace Museum Collection; Dazzling Threads: Asian Textiles from the National Palace Museum Collection; The Spreading Fragrance of Tea: Asian Tea Culture Exhibition; The Unceasing Flow: The History of Chiayi's Development; Understanding Asia: New Media Art Exhibition.