In honoring the values of Taiwan as a beacon of democracy and freedom of speech, on June 19, 2012, Taipei City Government's municipal meeting approved a proposal to mark Alley 3, Lane 106, Sec. 3, Minquan E. Rd., the site of Nylon Cheng’s self-immolation in a free speech campaign, with a memorial sign bearing the name “Liberty Lane”, which was inaugurated by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin on August 21st of the same year.
Mayor Hao friendliness and tolerance have always been Taipei City’s most valuable cultural assets, and the respect for different cultures, opinions and political ideologies not only lends a touch of gentleness and diversity to the City’s overall ambiance, it also constitutes a critical part of the philosophy underlying life in Taipei. This explains why Liberty Lane and Nylon Cheng Memorial Museum are significant in terms of tourism and culture, and also why they are a critical asset in Taiwan’s democratic education for the younger generation.
Nylon Cheng Memorial Museum in Liberty Lane was built on the former office site of the now-discontinued Freedom Era Weekly. The entrance is decorated with a bronze statue and a huge portrait of Cheng. In the solemn space inside the building, there is a memorabilia display which contains Cheng’s personal items, manuscripts, memorabilia and photographs of his activism in democratic movements and old publications of Freedom Era Weekly. Currently receiving visitors on a reservation basis, the museum provides insights into the sacrifice and contributions made by this Taiwanese martyr of democracy and free speech through documentaries and guided tours. Visitors are expected to develop newfound respect for this martyred hero of democracy, and understand why the City government is making every effort to uphold free speech as a hard-earned, prized asset.
Liberty Lane and Nylon Cheng Memorial Museum 自由巷及鄭南榕紀念館
