Chiang Kai-shek and Democratization: The Living History of Taiwan at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is conveniently located just two subway stops away from Taipei Main Station. Simply take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) and get off at 'Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station.' Exit 5 directly connects to the memorial hall, making it incredibly accessible! The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built to honor Taiwan's first president, Chiang Kai-shek. Construction began in 1976, a year after his death, and was completed in 1980. The blue and white structure reflects the colors of Taiwan's national flag, and the dome symbolizes the twelve rays of light depicted on the flag. In addition to the main hall, the site also houses the National Theater and National Concert Hall. Visitors can witness the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 5 PM and lasts about five minutes. When I visited the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, I was truly overwhelmed by its scale and grandeur! The plaza in front of the memorial, renamed 'Liberty Square' in 2009, offers a sense of openness and freedom that is truly impressive. Climbing the 89 steps was a bit challenging, but the sight of Chiang Kai-shek's imposing statue inside the building and the historical exhibits in the museum made it all worthwhile. It’s an educational space that provides insight into Taiwan's complex history, and the architectural beauty alone makes it a must-visit destination.