We started our day with 国立故宫博物院 (National Palace Museum). It was so crowded with all the chinese from Mainland, China. Arghhh.......... big turnoff.
Anyway, we headed in to see some of the famous collections of the museum. First, Pi-Hsieh (貔貅).
The "pi-hsieh" is a mythological creature commonly thought to be able to ward off evil forces with its magical powers. In fact, its name means "to ward off evil" in Chinese. Next, Jadeite Cabbage with Insects (翠玉白菜).
This piece is almost completely identical to a piece of bokchoy cabbage. Carved from verdant jadeite, the familiar subject, purity of the white vegetable body, and brilliant green of the leaves all create for an endearing and approachable work of art. Let's also not forget the two insects that have alighted on the vegetable leaves! They are a locust and katydid, which are traditional metaphors for having numerous children. For this reason, some have surmised that this piece was a dowry gift for Consort Chin to symbolize her purity and offer blessings for bearing many children. Third, Square Sandalwood Curio Box (紫檀多寶格方匣).
When closed, this curio box looks like a plain container. The advantage to this type is that it does not take up much space in storage. Although the outside appears quite simple, it is by no means monotonous. The reason lies in the decorative method of using "panels" by the artisans who made it. On the one hand, they allow the viewer to appreciate both painting and calligraphy. On the other hand, they pique one's curiosity to find out what lies inside. Not letting the viewer down, the wings of the panels can be pulled out one by one to form a fan-shaped chest. Almost instantly, the static form of the box becomes animated. Combined with the center that can be turned, it looks almost like a windmill about to spin! If you thought that the pleasure in searching for the curios inside ended here, just wait! The sumeru mount forming the pedestal of the box is also a storage area. Almost like a modern interior design, this technique of using panels to conceal objects is a perfect match! Such innovation is indeed all by unrivaled in traditional Chinese craftsmanship!
To view more details, please refer to http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/collection/selections_02.htm?docno=920&catno=12&pageno=3.
If you are interested in antiques and rare collections. It's a must to visit National Palace Museum.
We ended our morning tour with more photos taking of the museum exterior and headed for Leofoo Village Theme Park (六福村主题游乐园). They are actually celebrating their 30th Anniversay this year. Frankly speaking, it's nothing great compared to Disneyland (OF COURSE!!!). The whole tour group didn't really enjoy much so we ended our 4 hours free time half an hour earlier.
To view more details, please refer to http://www.leofoo.com.tw/village/
Yeah.......... it's dinner time. Guess what?? Our dinner is steamboat buffet and we are going to Feng Jia Night Market (逢甲夜市) after that. 疯了......!!!! Who wants to eat the steamboat. We all had a quick meal and enjoyed our 2 hours free time experiencing the night market. It's not as crowded as Shi Lin Night Market (士林夜市) and a lot more things to see and buy. My brother bought himself a cap and sunglass. You will be able to see his best buy during the next few days. My eldest sister bought herself a sunglass too. She actually bargained all the way (aiyoyo.....). My second sister and me both got ourselves some かわいい (cute) socks and shoes.
As all night markets are, there are plenty of food stalls. Food like 超长冰淇淋，臭豆腐，咸水鸡，豆乳鸡 and the famous 官芝霖-大肠包小肠. We even caught something very funny in picture about 官芝霖 unhappiness about Taiwan famous 美食节目 - 时尚玩家. The clothes they sell there are typically Japanese and Korean fashion. I wanted to buy some 洋装 but they don't fit me at all. (T _ T)
Our hotel tonight is The Enterprise Hotel, Taichung. The rooms we stayed is big. It has 2 queen size bed. We didn't take pictures of the hotel room but the location is good as there are a big mall just 5 minutes away.
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