National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Introduction
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is dedicated to commemorating the first President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, who passed away in 1975. The following year, the Executive Yuan broke ground for the construction of the memorial hall, designed by Yang Cho-cheng, who also designed the Grand Hotel Taipei. The site of the memorial hall was previously the headquarters of the Army, and at that time, it was the largest military district in Taipei. It is said that gold transported from the mainland was once stored in this location. The colors blue and white used in the memorial hall are the main colors of the national flag, and the decoration of the dome at the top features twelve rays of sunlight from the Blue Sky and White Sun emblem, with the bronze statue facing west towards the Presidential Office and the mainland, each symbolizing special meaning. With the advancement of democracy and an open-minded ideology, the plaza in front of the memorial hall has become a gathering place for democratic movements. To the left and right of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are the National Concert Hall and the National Theater. The theater serves as a venue for dramatic performances, dance, and other activities, frequently hosting large performances, including Peking opera, dramas, and children's programs; the concert hall is the most prestigious music performance space in Taiwan, often hosting chamber music, symphonies, and major music events. The plaza in front of the two venues also periodically hosts drama and music activities, attracting many tourists. The white walls and blue tiles stand majestically at 70 meters tall in the center of the memorial park, looking grand from any angle. Foreign tourists visiting Taiwan make sure to stop by here regardless of their itinerary. Beneath the memorial hall, there are exhibitions and displays, as well as souvenir sales.
