Shilin Residence/Shilin Residence Park Introduction
Shilin Presidential Residence Park covers an area of approximately 12.9 hectares and is located adjacent to Zhongshan North Road, allowing for quick access to the Presidential Office. Surrounded by the Fushan mountain range, its advantageous terrain and excellent geographical location made it the official residence of former President Chiang Kai-shek since 1950. Due to the residence's establishment in the area, nearby regions are strictly prohibited from reconstruction and new construction, allowing the park to maintain its natural scenery, filled with the sounds of insects and birds, making it an ideal place for relaxation and recreation close to the city. In 1996, the residence was opened to the public for viewing horticulture and recreational use. The Rose Garden, which was Madame Chiang's favorite garden, features romantic scenery in the Western-style garden, making it a popular location for wedding photos. The Chinese garden, with its arched bridges, winding ponds, and flowing water, evokes the atmosphere of an ancient Chinese courtyard. The park is primarily divided into an outdoor music stage, Rose Garden, themed garden area, inner garden, main building, leisure area, Western-style garden, Chinese garden, Kaige Hall, Xinlanting, horticultural exhibition hall, and Ciyun Pavilion. Every March, visitors can enjoy nearly 100 varieties of about 2,000 blooming roses in Madame Chiang's beloved Rose Garden; the themed garden area and leisure area are the key exhibition areas planned each year for the Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Tulip Exhibition. In the Western and Chinese gardens, beautiful seasonal flower beds can also be appreciated. Xinlanting and the horticultural exhibition hall feature periodic floral displays according to different seasons, welcoming visitors throughout the year with a rotation of various flowers. Kaige Hall is where the Chiang family held worship and baptism. Xinlanting, built in 1950 and also known as Shouting Pavilion, is a Chinese four-cornered building that serves as a place for Chiang Kai-shek's birthday celebrations and various floral exhibitions. Ciyun Pavilion, constructed atop Fushan, is a two-story square pavilion built by the late president in memory of his mother. Shilin Presidential Residence hosts various flower exhibitions at the beginning and end of each year, including the Tulip Exhibition, Rose Exhibition, Orchid Exhibition, and Chrysanthemum Exhibition, with the Chrysanthemum and Tulip Exhibitions being the most well-known. Utilizing flowers combined with the park's landscaping, it creates colorful exhibition spaces. The Chrysanthemum Exhibition, known as one of Taiwan's famous flower exhibitions, takes place between November and December, featuring large chrysanthemums, ornamental types, and various small chrysanthemums arranged according to different exhibition themes and horticultural displays, turning Shilin Presidential Residence into a large garden that attracts visitors from various regions. The Tulip Exhibition occurs in February after the Lunar New Year, showcasing over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan, along with exotic installation art that transports visitors abroad. Shilin Presidential Residence Park officially opened to the public in 1996 and has actively improved its planning and construction to provide better services, becoming another leisure destination in Taipei City.
