Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 89 steps leading to the main hall represent the age of Chiang Kai-shek at the time of his death.

2. 2

   The blue and white colors of the memorial were specifically chosen to mirror the colors of the Kuomintang party flag and the national emblem.

3. 3

   The garden ponds are stocked with carp that are symbolically kept in pairs to represent longevity and good fortune.

4. 4

   The massive gate at the entrance to the square is officially titled the 'Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness'.

5. 5

   The structure's octagonal shape is a deliberate reference to the number eight, which is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture.

6. 6

   The surrounding Liberty Square has been a primary site for major democratic movements and civil rights protests in Taiwan's history.

Overview

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national monument dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China. The structure stands 76 meters tall and is clad in white marble with a blue-tiled octagonal roof that reflects the Republic of China flag. The main hall houses a massive bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek guarded by military personnel. The complex is surrounded by the Liberty Square, which includes the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. The landscape features ornamental ponds and traditional Chinese-style gardens. The memorial sits on a 25-hectare site in the Zhongzheng District. Construction of the facility was completed in 1980, five years after Chiang's death. The site serves as a venue for official ceremonies and large public gatherings.

Insider tips

• Arrive shortly before the top of the hour to witness the formal changing of the guard ceremony.

• Walk to the basement level to view the museum exhibits detailing the history of the Republic of China.

• Visit the garden paths on the perimeter for a quieter, more shaded experience away from the main square.