[originaltext]M: Here we are. This is the National Palace Museum. What are you

M: Here we are. This is the National Palace Museum. What are you especially interested in seeing?
W: It’s hard to say. In fact, I know very little about Chinese art and history. But can you give me mane details about this building?
M: It’s built in the classical Chinese style, with a curved roof.
W: What are these little statues on the roof?
M: In the old days they were used to cover the nails that held the roof together, because the roofs were made of wood. Nowadays, the statues are just for decoration.
W: That’s the same style roof as the concert hall we visited yesterday, right? It seems like I’ve seen it before.
M: Right. The styles are the same, but as you can see, the colors are different. The Museum is yellow, which stands for the emperor.
W: Hmm. How did the Museum get such a large collection?
M: This art collection was the emperors’. But it was taken over by the Nationalists in 1924.
W: How old is the collection?
M: Some of the bronze pieces go back to the 17th century B. C., but the collection itself was set up by the first emperor of the Song Dynasty over a thousand years ago.
W: Over a thousand years? Incredible! Let’s go inside. I can’t wait to check it out!
M: OK. You know, most of the collection here was put together during the Qing Dynasty. So, what did you think?
W: I was impressed with the landscape paintings, and all the jade carvings. That jade cabbage just can’t be beat!
M: Yeah, the colors were so realistic, and it was so carefully carved. What else did you like?
W: I really liked the calligraphy. I wish I could understand what it said. The writing was beautiful.
M: I’m glad you enjoyed it.