Taipei Travel

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is indeed the main landmark of Taiwan. It features acres of landscaped gardens, huge temples, the memorial hall and monument of Chiang Kai-Shek. This picturesque landmark is a perfect spot for your instagrammable photos. It is surprising to know that Chiang is not buried in his memorial site however the memorial hall itself symbolizes the country's emblem of blue sky and white sun through its white walls and blue tiles. The stair steps is 89 which is the age of Chiang when he died. Upon entering the hall, you'll see his giant bronze sculpture and on the left side, you can enter a small exhibit to know more of his life's history and the construction stages of the landmark. Best time to go here is during the late afternoon so you can see the transition of day and night as they lit the landmark beautifully during the evening. You can also catch the performance of the changing of guard ceremony that is scheduled hourly. The view from the hall offers a great view of the entire landmark. Opening hours: 9am to 6pm

Opened in 1980, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is the centrepiece in a spacious park in the middle of Taipei. Easily one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, it commemorates the man who led his country till his death in 1975. Chiang is buried elsewhere but the memorial hall is full of symbolism, from the blue tiles and white walls (symbolising the country's national emblem of a blue sky and white sun), to the sun-motifed stone slab (also found on the flag) and the eighty-nine steps (Chiang's age when he passed away) at the front of the memorial. On the day we visited, the exterior of the building was covered up in order to allow for cleaning of the walls. Entering the main hall which is effectively on the fourth floor, one is faced with a large bronze statue of a seated Chiang in front of the Chinese words for ethics, democracy and science which he used as the pillars of the nation's principles. The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs hourly and worth watching for its pomp and ceremony. We actually found the lower levels more interesting as they provided deeper insight into the life of Chiang. There were recreations of his office, and several of his presidential cars were on display. Don't miss a portrait of Chiang, incredibly carved on marble using the full text of Dr Sun Yat-Sen's will (a magnifying glass helps visitors see the minute details).

Everytime I go to Taipei, i will go this place with my girlfriend.This time I finally got to climb the 89 steps representing the age of the former president of Taiwan. There is a giant sculpture of him sitting in the memorial hall.This place got more beautiful views about the gardens when i stand at the top. When i go to this place, i will choose the right time to watch the perfomance by the honor guard.And they got two buildings beside the Memorial Hall is a theatre and concert hall.I also try jogging around the hall at night,it got a good night views.

The last time I visited this square, the entire memorial hall was closed off for renovations, which was disappointing. This time I finally got to climb the 89 steps representing the age of the former president of Taiwan. There is a giant sculpture of him sitting in the memorial hall. At the top the view was impressive of the entire square and the gardens designs became apparent from up there. I arrived just in time to watch a performance by the honor guards. Reminded me of the changing of the guards. The other two buildings are the National Theatre and National Concert Hall, both in classic Chinese architectural design. They offer both local and international performances here. The Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness is the entrance gate at the west end and faces the Chiang Kai-Shek Hall, far at the other end. It is a white gate, very beautiful and massive. When people stand next to it, they look very small.

Never skip this place. It can be readily accessed by train, the entire complex is huge, there is enough space for everyone, and the architecture is stunning.