Shilin Presidential Residence_Shulin Presidential Residence Park Introduction
Shilin Official Residence Park covers an area of approximately 12.9 hectares. Its location near Zhongshan North Road allows for quick access to the Presidential Office, and it is surrounded by the Fushan Mountain Range. Due to its advantageous terrain and excellent geographical location, it has served as the residence for former President Chiang Kai-shek since 1950. Because of the establishment of the residence in this area, nearby regions are strictly prohibited from reconstruction and new construction, allowing the park to maintain its natural landscape, filled with the sounds of insects and birds, making it an excellent recreational spot in the suburbs. In 1996, the residence was opened to the public for horticultural viewing and recreational use. The Rose Garden is Mrs. Chiang's favorite garden; the romantic scenery of the Western-style garden is a popular location for newlyweds' wedding photos. The Chinese garden features arched bridges, winding ponds, and flowing water, reminiscent of ancient Chinese courtyards. The park is mainly divided into an outdoor music stage, the Rose Garden, themed areas, inner gardens, the main building, recreational zones, a Western-style garden, a Chinese garden, the Kai Ge Hall, Xin Lan Pavilion, a horticultural exhibition hall, and the Ci Yun Pavilion. In March, visitors can admire nearly 100 varieties and about 2,000 rose blooms in the Rose Garden. The themed areas and recreational zones are the focal points of the annual Chrysanthemum and Tulip Exhibitions, while beautiful seasonal flowerbeds can be found in both Western and Chinese gardens. The Xin Lan Pavilion and horticultural exhibition hall also hold irregular horticultural flower exhibits according to different seasons, showcasing various flowers throughout the year to warmly welcome visitors. The Kai Ge Hall is where the Chiang family holds religious services and baptisms. The Xin Lan Pavilion, built in 1950, is also known as the Shou Pavilion and features a four-cornered architectural style, serving as the venue for annual birthday celebrations for President Chiang and various floral exhibitions. The Ci Yun Pavilion, located atop Fushan, is a two-story square pavilion built by the late President in memory of his mother. The Shilin Official Residence hosts various flower exhibitions at the beginning and end of each year, such as the Tulip Exhibition, Rose Exhibition, Phalaenopsis Exhibition, and Chrysanthemum Exhibition, with the Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Tulip Exhibition being the most well-known. Utilizing flowers in conjunction with park landscaping, the exhibitions create vibrant and colorful displays. The Chrysanthemum Exhibition, held from November to December during the late autumn to early winter, is one of Taiwan's famous flower exhibitions. By using large chrysanthemums, shaped chrysanthemums, small chrysanthemums, and chrysanthemum family ornamental plants, coupled with themed displays and gardening landscapes each year, the Shilin Official Residence transforms into a large garden that attracts visitors from all over. The Tulip Exhibition takes place in February, after the Chinese New Year, showcasing over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan, along with foreign installation art, providing a feeling of being transported abroad. The Shilin Official Residence Park was officially opened to the public in 1996. To offer better services, efforts have been made to enhance various planning and construction initiatives, becoming another recreational spot for the public in Taipei City.
