It's a must-see! Taitung's only national-level museum: From artifacts to technology, it will give you a new understanding of Taiwan.
#January Destinations 2026
Step into the Time Tunnel: A Complete Travel Guide to the National Museum of Prehistory, Taiwan
📌 Museum Basic Information
The National Museum of Prehistory, Taiwan (NMT), is the only national-level museum in eastern Taiwan, located in the Kang Le area of Taitung City. It's more than just a static museum; it's a living classroom combining archaeological sites, artifact preservation, natural history, and Austronesian culture.
· Address: No. 1, Museum Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County
· Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
· Closed: Closed every Monday (except public holidays), Lunar New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year's Day
· Suggested Visit Time: At least 2-3 hours; half a day is recommended for families with children or those seeking a more in-depth experience.
🚗 Transportation Guide
By Car (Highly Recommended)
The museum has a large free parking lot, making it very convenient for drivers.
• Navigation Settings: Simply search for "National Museum of Prehistory Parking Lot" for accurate directions.
• Route Instructions:
• From Taitung City: Take Gengsheng North Road or Zhonghua Road north, then turn onto Zhiben Road (Provincial Highway 9). Turn right at the "Fengle Industrial Zone" sign onto Museum Road.
• From Hualien or Kaohsiung: Follow Provincial Highway 9, looking for the large "National Museum of Prehistory" sign before turning onto the museum road.
**Train + Walking**
Take the Taiwan Railway to Kanglu Station. It's about a 10-minute walk from the station to the museum. This is the closest public transportation option, perfect for travelers who want a simple stroll.
**Bus**
• Xingdong Bus (Dingdong Bus Coastal Line) No. 8115: Board at Taitung Transfer Station. The journey takes about 35 minutes. Only a few buses run daily at 07:20, 11:20, and 15:20. Please check the timetable in advance.
• Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - East Coast: Some routes stop at the "National Museum of Prehistory" station, offering a more comfortable bus option.
🎟️ Ticket Information (Latest 2026)
The National Museum of Prehistory's ticket prices are very affordable, and one ticket allows entry to both the main museum and the Beinan Archaeological Site Park – a super deal!
Ticket Types | Price | Eligibility
Full Price | NT$100 | General Public
Group Price | NT$80 | Groups of 20 or more
Concession Price | NT$60 | Children aged 6-12, students (student ID required)
Free | NT$0 | Children under 6, seniors 65 and above (free on weekdays, half price on weekends), people with disabilities, and one accompanying person
Reminder: Free admission has been offered every Wednesday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. It is recommended to check the official website before your trip to see if this offer is still valid.
👣 Recommended Activities Inside and Outside the Museum
1. Must-See Permanent Exhibitions
After renovations, the museum's exhibits have become more interactive and artistic.
• Taiwan Prehistory Hall: Take a journey through 30,000 years, from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age, and witness firsthand the exquisite craftsmanship of treasures like the "Human and Animal Shaped Jade Ring."
• Austronesian Hall: Centered on "Kita Us," this hall showcases the deep connection between Taiwan's indigenous peoples and the Austronesian language families, with vibrant colors and compelling narratives.
• Taiwan Natural History Hall: Introducing the birth of islands, the Ice Age, and modern ecology, with interactive screens and lifelike animal models that are highly engaging.
2. Family Favorite: Prehistoric Exploration Play Area (Children's Hall)
This is the most popular area in the museum, designed specifically for children aged 3-12.
• Themes: Includes sections like "Giant Stone Forest," "Jade Area," and "Pottery Area," allowing children to learn about prehistoric culture through climbing, puzzles, and treasure hunts.
• Important Notes: Shoes and socks must be worn.
• Opening Hours:
• Weekends and Holidays: Open to all, with two sessions: 09:30-11:30 and 14:00-16:00, each limited to 60 people.
• Weekdays: Groups of 20 or more must make reservations.
3. Outdoor Area and Lawn
The museum's outdoor area features a large, undulating lawn, perfect for children to run and play, and also a great spot for picnics. In addition, the outdoor area displays many art installations featuring indigenous imagery, making it a great place for photos.
4. Hidden Gem Experience
• Archaeological-Themed Cookies: Available only on weekdays at the museum's café, these unique snacks are served with Taitung Red Oolong Tea.
• Special Exhibitions: The museum regularly changes its special exhibitions. For example, the previously held "Marine Archaeology Exhibition" and "Backstage at the Museum" were both very interesting. You can check the official website before your trip.
🍽️ Dining & Shopping
• Café: Offers light snacks, drinks, and the aforementioned archaeology cookies. A restaurant is expected to open in the future.
• Souvenir Shop: Sells many tribal handicrafts, clothing accessories, and museum-related cultural and creative products, with a strong local flavor.
💡 Travel Tips
1. Plan a half-day trip: It is recommended to combine this visit with the nearby "Beinan Archaeological Site Park," buying one ticket to visit both places for a more fulfilling and in-depth experience.
2. Ideal for rainy days: The entire museum is air-conditioned and spacious, making it the best place to escape the summer heat or for a rainy day trip in Taitung.
3. Take a guided tour: The museum offers free scheduled guided tours (usually at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM). Following the guide will allow you to hear more interesting stories behind the artifacts.
4. Side Attractions:
• Taitung City: Enjoy local delicacies such as milkfish ball soup and Minglong spring rolls.
• Seaside Park: Not far away, you can see the "TAITUNG" landmark and the super relaxing breakwater blocks.
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