Taipei Sights and Attractions: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Taipei is filled with incredible sights and attractions, one of which is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Located downtown, the memorial hall was built to honor the deceased President of the Republic of China (ROC). The stunning hall sits in the center of meticulously manicured grounds, flanked on either side by the National Theater and National Concert Hall.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall’s History
Chiang Kai-shek was the first President of the ROC after fleeing mainland China. After his death in 1975, the government decided to build a memorial in his honor.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on the deceased leader’s 90th birthday on October 31, 1976. The hall was then opened to the public on the fifth anniversary of his death in 1980.
In 2007, the hall was renamed “Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall” under the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidency. In 2008, the hall was renamed back to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, under Nationalist rule again. In July 2009, the official plaque was reinstated.
Design of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Three underlying design concepts drove the project:
- To express the spirit of the Chinese culture
- An innovative design in a unique and grande style
- The utilization of modern construction technology, with emphasis on economy and practical use
Yao Cho-cheng was the architect who designed the memorial hall after his concept was chosen during a competition.
The main hall is a large white structure, topped with blue tiles. Combined with nearby red flowerbeds, the hall resembles the colors of the Taiwan flag. The octagon shaped roof is also symbolic as many Asian cultures associate number 8 with good fortune. The roof design also has motifs on the top, symbolizing the “unification of man and heaven.” The roof is said to form the altar to heaven and the blue glazed tiles reflect the sunlight. The color of the white sun and blue sky symbolize equality and freedom.
The hall has two sets of stairs, each with 89 steps, representing the age of Chiang Kai-shek at the time of his death. Atop the stairs sits a large memorial statue of him, dressed in traditional clothing. Chinese inscriptions are found on the walls, which represent the characters for Ethics, Democracy, and Science. During operating hours, there is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony that tends to draw large crowds.
The downstairs of the hall houses a free museum and several exhibits related to Chiang Kai-shek. Historical photographs hang on the walls, medals and awards fill the display cabinets, and one room features several of Chiang Kai-shek’s vehicles.
Location and Direction to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Grounds
The Memorial Hall is located in the Zhongzheng District at 21 Zhongshan South Road in Taipei. The phone number is (02) 2343-1100. Visitors can either drive to CKS Hall, take a taxi cab, or their website lists a number of buses that provide transportation to the hall. One of the most convenient ways to visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is to take the local MRT, as there is a station for CKS Hall that drops you off right at the entrance.
Chiang Kai-shek is free to tour and open daily from 9am until 6:30pm. The changing of the guard ceremonies take place hourly from 10am until 4pm, and until 6:30pm on Wednesdays.
