National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – Memory of the First President

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in memory of the first president of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. Construction of the hall commenced in 1976, a year after the President had passed away. It was designed by C. C. Yang an architect also for The Grand Hotel.

It is situated in the heart of Taipei City and has a total area of two hundred and fifty thousand square meters. A large area of the memorial hall is covered with the colours of Taiwanese flag of blue, white and red and the colours of the flag signify independence, equality and universal love.

 The memorial is said to be white with blue roof which represents the dominant colours in the ROC flag and the emblem of the Chinese Nationalist Party –KMT adorns the domed ceiling. Looking west is a bronze statue of Chiang, symbolically to the Presidential Office Building and mainland China while the front plaza of the hall seems to be a major venue for democratic assemblies. It was opened in 1980 as a part of a national park and a gathering area.

Building - Octagon Shaped

The building which is octagon shaped rises 76 meters and is covered with blue tiles and red accents and the eight sides characterise the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number `8’ which is traditionally linked with fortune and wealth.

The two sets of 89 steps represent the age of Chiang which lead up to the main hall accommodating the bronze statue of Chiang which is protected by military personnel that tend to change each hour.The letterings behind the statue of Chiang reads `Ethnics, Democracy’ and `Science’ and the inscription on the side is `The purpose of life is to improve the general life of humanity’ and `The meaning of life is to create and sustain subsequent lives in the universe’.

Beneath the hall is a museum that documents the life and career of Chiang and also exhibits the Taiwan history, pan-Chinese culture and history together with the development of ROC after moving to Taiwan. Other than the main hall, the large complex comprises of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, National Concert Hall and the National Theatre.

Exclusive Local/International Performances

The National Concert Hall and the National Theatre are towards the corner of the occupant. The hall and the theatre, since its formation, held various exclusive local as well as international performances and with various fine performances together with exhibitions, these halls have been significant to art and culture of Taiwan.

The hall besides being used as Chiang’s former office, has various arrangements for each area and at the heritage display room, visitors can see historical records, important treasured preserved photographs as well as old items used by the president. Viewing these exhibits, visitors can have an idea on the precious historical properties of Taiwan.

 Moreover, the vehicle of the president is also displayed in the central corridor. Besides this the auditorium provides a place for expert speeches and receptions of important foreign guests. The name of the square is officially known as Liberty Square but the name change was politically inspired and several of the people still refer to the complex as CKS Memorial Hall.

 It has been considered as a national historical site of Taiwan since 2007 and is now an important landmark of Taipei attracting a huge amount of visitors annually.