Shilin Residence_ Shilin Residence Park Introduction
Shilin Residence Park covers an area of approximately 12.9 hectares and is located adjacent to Zhongshan North Road, allowing quick access to the Presidential Office. Surrounded by the Fushan Mountain Range, its superior terrain and excellent geographical location have made it the residence of former President Chiang Kai-shek since 1950. Due to the establishment of the residence here, nearby areas are strictly prohibited from renovation and new construction, allowing the park to maintain its original natural scenery, filled with the sounds of insects and birds, making it an excellent spot for leisure and recreation in the suburbs. In 1996, the residence was first opened to the public for gardening and recreational use. The Rose Garden is Madam Chiang's favorite garden; the romantic scenery in the Western-style garden is a popular location for wedding photos; the Eastern garden features arched bridges, winding ponds, and flowing water, reminiscent of ancient Chinese courtyards. Shilin Residence Park is mainly divided into an outdoor music stage, Rose Garden, themed garden area, inner garden, main hall, promenade area, Western-style garden, Eastern-style garden, Kaige Hall, Xinlanting, horticultural exhibition hall, and Ciyun Pavilion. Every March, visitors can enjoy nearly 100 varieties and about 2,000 blooming roses in Madam Chiang's beloved Rose Garden; the themed garden area and promenade area are key exhibition areas for the annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Tulip Exhibition; the Western and Eastern gardens feature beautiful seasonal flowering beds; Xinlanting and the horticultural exhibition hall also hold occasional horticultural flower exhibitions throughout the year, welcoming visitors with various floral displays. Kaige Hall is the place where the Chiang family holds worship and baptism. Xinlanting, built in 1950, also known as Shouting Pavilion, is a Chinese-style quadrangular building where various floral exhibitions are held and where birthday celebrations for Chiang Kai-shek were hosted. Ciyun Pavilion, built on Fushan, is a two-story square pavilion constructed by the former president in memory of his mother. Every year, Shilin Residence hosts various flower exhibitions at the beginning and end of the year, such as the Tulip Exhibition, Rose Exhibition, Phalaenopsis Exhibition, and Chrysanthemum Exhibition. The most well-known are the Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Tulip Exhibition, utilizing flowers paired with landscaping to create vibrant exhibition spaces. The Chrysanthemum Exhibition, held in November and December during the late fall and winter months, is renowned throughout Taiwan. Utilizing large chrysanthemums, shaped chrysanthemums, small chrysanthemums, and chrysanthemum family flowers, the exhibition showcases annual themes and garden landscapes, transforming Shilin Residence into a large garden that attracts tourists from various places. The Tulip Exhibition, held every February after the Lunar New Year, features over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan, along with exotic installation art, making visitors feel as if they are abroad. Shilin Residence Park officially opened to the public in 1996, and to provide better services, it has actively strengthened its planning and infrastructure, becoming another spot for public recreation in Taipei City.
