National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Introduction
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is dedicated to the first President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, who passed away in 1975. Construction of the memorial hall began in the following year, designed by Yang Cho-cheng, who also designed the Grand Hotel Taipei. The original site was the headquarters of the Army, which was the largest military district in Taipei at the time. It is said that gold transported from the mainland was stored in this location. The memorial hall features blue and white colors, which are the main colors of the national flag. The dome's decoration consists of 12 rays of sunlight representing the Blue Sky with a White Sun, and the statue faces west towards the Presidential Office and mainland China, each holding special significance. With the advancement of democracy and open-mindedness, the plaza in front of the memorial hall has become a gathering place for democratic movements. On the left and right sides of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre. The theatre serves as a venue for drama, dance, and other performance activities, regularly hosting large performances, including Peking opera, drama, and children's programs; the concert hall is the most prestigious music performance space in Taiwan, often hosting chamber music and symphonic concerts. The plaza in front of the two halls also occasionally hosts dramatic and musical events, attracting numerous visitors. With its white walls and blue tiles, the hall soars 70 meters high in the center of the memorial park, appearing grand from any angle. Foreign tourists visiting Taiwan, regardless of their itinerary, will certainly make a stop here. Below the memorial hall, there are displays and exhibitions, as well as a souvenir shop.
