Shilin Residence _ Shilin Residence Park Introduction
Shilin Official Residence Park covers an area of approximately 12.9 hectares. Its proximity to Zhongshan North Road allows for quick access to the Presidential Office, surrounded by the Fushan Mountain Range, making it an advantageous location with excellent geography. Since 1950, it has served as the official residence of former President Chiang Kai-shek. Due to the establishment of the residence, nearby areas are strictly prohibited from redevelopment or new construction, allowing the park to maintain its natural landscape, complete with the sounds of insects and birds, making it an ideal spot for leisure and recreation in the suburbs. In 1996, the residence was first opened to the public for horticultural appreciation and recreational use. The Rose Garden is Mrs. Chiang's favorite garden, while the Western-style garden, with its romantic scenery, is a popular spot for wedding photo shoots. The Chinese garden features arch bridges, winding ponds, and flowing water, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Chinese courtyards. The main components of the park include an outdoor music stage, a rose garden, themed garden areas, an inner garden, the main building, a walking area, a Western-style garden, a Chinese garden, the Kaige Hall, the Xinlanting, a horticultural exhibition hall, and the Ciyun Pavilion. Every March, visitors can admire nearly 100 varieties and around 2,000 blooming roses in the Rose Garden, which is Mrs. Chiang's favorite spot. The themed garden and walking area are key exhibition areas each year for chrysanthemum and tulip festivals meticulously planned. The Western and Chinese gardens showcase beautiful seasonal flowerbeds. The Xinlanting and the horticultural exhibition hall hold various floral displays throughout the year, welcoming visitors with different flowers in bloom. Kaige Hall is where the Chiang family worshipped and held baptisms. Xinlanting, built in 1950, also known as the Shout Pavilion, is a traditional four-corner structure and serves as the venue for annual birthday celebrations for Chiang Kai-shek, as well as various floral exhibitions. The Ciyun Pavilion, located atop Fushan, is a two-story square pavilion built by the late President in memory of his mother. Shilin Official Residence hosts various flower exhibitions at the beginning and end of each year, including the tulip exhibition, rose exhibition, butterfly orchid exhibition, and chrysanthemum exhibition. The most well-known are the chrysanthemum and tulip exhibitions, where flowers are arranged to complement the landscape of the park, creating a colorful display. The chrysanthemum exhibition, held in November to December, is one of the most famous flower exhibitions in Taiwan. With a variety of large, shaped, and small chrysanthemums, along with different themed displays, the park transforms into a large garden, attracting visitors from various places. The tulip exhibition takes place in February after the Lunar New Year, featuring over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan, alongside international art installations, making visitors feel as if they are abroad. The Shilin Official Residence Park officially opened to the public in 1996 and has actively improved its facilities and planning to become another relaxing destination in the Taipei urban area.
