The Taoyuan Chinese Furniture Museum is an insight into the culture of Chinese furniture and a showcase of regional craftsmanship. Find typical furniture designs from the Taoyuan County of Taiwan in addition to artifacts from the imperial Ming and Qing dynasties.
The two exhibition halls of the Taoyuan Chinese Furniture Museum occupy the basement of Taoyuan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau building. Signs in English provide the name of the objects, their region of origin and the type of wood used.
Displays in the first exhibition room focus on Chinese furniture and furniture produced in the Daxi District. They provide an overview of everything from acclaimed craftspeople to furniture history, evolution and terminology. See examples of traditional styles from both China and Taiwan plus traditional carpentry tools. There are armchairs, chest of drawers, sofas and tables of all shape and sizes.
The second room concentrates on the furniture culture of Taiwan and is set up to resemble the layout of a residential home. It features the recreation of the main entrance, courtyard, kitchen and dining room. The bedroom, dining room, study and worship room complete the house. Each is decorated with handmade period pieces.
Located in Taoyuan City Centre, the museum is easy to reach on foot and by public transportation from other major attractions. Taoyuan’s main bus and train terminal is 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) to the southeast. You can also use the YouBike bike sharing system and park at the station located outside the entrance to the building. Nearby is the Jingfu Temple and Taoyuan Night Market.
The Taoyuan Chinese Furniture Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, except for public holidays. It closes for an hour at midday and then reopens in the afternoon. Guided tours are possible for group visits. You can find more information about the museum on the official website of Taoyuan’s Department of Cultural Affairs.