Taipei Travel

I had Saturday free on the weekend between business meetings earlier in the week and the following week so I took the subway and visited the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and nearby National Concert and Theater halls. Getting to it was easy with a dedicated subway stop at the corner of square near the National Theater. I found groups of teenagers practicing synchronized dance outside that hall apparently for competition later in the day inside. Walking across the large square I walked up the outside steps to the impressive memorial with the statue of Chiang Kai-Shek protected by two guards standing at attention. Apparently the changing of the guard about every hour is not to be missed. I then discovered I was at the 4th floor of a large building and the was stairs and an elevator available to the lower 3 levels which houses 4 large exhibit halls with various special exhibitions (with a nominal charge). When I visited, there was a fascinating one on puppetry covering its last 30 year history through modern digital media versions today. Well worth the visit. There was also one with beautify works of art and one on animals. Then on half of the bottom floor is an excellent free museum about the life and history surrounding Chiang Kai-Shek that is not to be missed. I never knew he received so many honors and awards from many countries around the world. Plus they have his office occupied by a likeness of him all set up. Overall a very pleasant and informative way to spend a Saturday in Taipei.

Visited the place during sunset. The color of the skies complimented the beautiful architecture of the place. Too bad that the temple was being renovated but then it's okay so they can preserve the beauty of the area. This was my last stop before going back to the airport for I only had a 9 hour layover. Good thing the central station is nearby.

Nice setting with landscaped gardens and Christian church. Very popular attraction with the natives and is well respected

This is a must visit location if you are a fan of history. You could at least spend a couple of hours here!.

This big public square is on a grand scale, surrounded by the beautiful National Theatre and Concert Hall. This was up with my favorite attractions when visiting Taipei. You would need an hour minimum to spend here, and expect to do a a lot of walking. It can also be quite hot here in the middle of the day.