Shilin Residence_Shihin Residence Park Introduction
Shilin Official Residence Park covers approximately 12.9 hectares and is conveniently located near Zhongshan North Road, providing quick access to the Presidential Office. Surrounded by the Fushan Mountain Range, its advantageous terrain and excellent geographical location allowed it to serve as the residence of former President Chiang Kai-shek since 1950. Because the residence was established here, reconstruction and new construction in the surrounding area are strictly prohibited, which helps the park maintain its original natural scenery, filled with the sounds of insects and birds, making it an ideal place for leisure and recreation in the suburbs. In 1996, the residence was opened to the public, allowing citizens to enjoy the gardens and recreational activities. The Rose Garden is Madame Chiang's favorite garden; the romantic landscape of the Western-style garden is a popular spot for wedding photos; the arched bridges, winding ponds, and flowing water in the Eastern garden create an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Chinese courtyards. Shilin Official Residence Park is mainly divided into several areas, including the outdoor music stage, Rose Garden, themed gardens, inner garden, main building, promenade area, Western-style garden, Eastern-style garden, Victory Hall, Xinlanting, Horticultural Exhibition Hall, and Ciyun Pavilion. Every March, visitors can enjoy nearly 100 varieties and about 2,000 blooming roses in the Rose Garden. The themed gardens and promenade areas are highlights for annual exhibitions such as the Chrysanthemum and Tulip Exhibitions. The Western and Eastern gardens showcase beautiful seasonal flower beds, while Xinlanting and the Horticultural Exhibition Hall host various horticultural flower exhibitions throughout the year, welcoming visitors with a diverse array of flowers. Victory Hall is where the Chiang family holds services and baptisms. Xinlanting, built in 1950 and also known as Shouting Pavilion, is a square four-cornered structure where Chiang Kai-shek celebrated his birthdays and various flower exhibitions took place. Ciyun Pavilion, located on Fushan Mountain, is a two-story square pavilion built by the former 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. Among these, the Chrysanthemum Exhibition, held from November to December, is one of the most well-known flower exhibitions in Taiwan. Utilizing large chrysanthemums, shaped chrysanthemums, small chrysanthemums, and chrysanthemum family flowers, the park is transformed into a large garden that attracts visitors from all over. The Tulip Exhibition takes place every February after the Lunar New Year, showcasing over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan, along with foreign installation art, creating a sense of being abroad. Shilin Official Residence Park officially opened to the public in 1996. To provide better services, ongoing planning and improvements have been made, making it another recreational spot for the public in Taipei City.
