Not much verbally intense politics across the strait here, travel time. From Wall Street Journal’s Travel section (photos: National Palace Museum and Taipei 101, via wsj.com):
Taiwan is the other China — increasingly lost in the shadow of mainland China’s expanding global influence. For years, Taiwan defined itself as “free China,” the democratic counterpoint to its Communist neighbor. But as China liberalizes and increases economic ties with the West, the contrast isn’t quite as sharp. To carve out its own identity, Taiwan is increasingly highlighting its Aboriginal culture and promoting the island’s natural features in addition to its more traditional Chinese cultural attractions.
The renovations at the National Palace Museum (ÂúãÁ´ãÊïÖÂÆÆÂçöÁâ©Èô¢) exemplify this new spirit. The bulk of its collection was brought from China by Chiang Kai-shek (ËªãÁü≥)’s forces after World War II, and the formality of the museum symbolically represented the last vestige of the Old Guard, which ruled Taiwan with an iron fist. Now, the museum has shifted gears, bringing itself into the modern era. It has been opened up with a grand staircase and better lighting.
The opening exhibit is a knockout, alone meriting a visit to Taiwan. On display through March 25 are 42 invaluable, rare paintings from the Northern Sung dynasty, which dates from 960 to 1127. Most of them are so fragile they’re hardly ever shown. In addition, the museum has put together an exhibition of Ju ware (ʱùÁ™ë) from the Sung dynasty; prized for their brilliant craftsmanship and unique blue-green glaze, they’re among the most valuable ceramics ever to come out of China.
– Also a multimedia intro Legend of the Ju Ware by the National Palace Museum, Taiwan
