Shilin Residence - Shilin Residence Park Introduction
Shilin Residence Park covers an area of approximately 12.9 hectares and is conveniently located near Zhongshan North Road, allowing quick access to the Presidential Office. Surrounded by the Fushan Mountain Range, the park boasts a superior terrain and an excellent geographical location. Since 1950, it has served as the official residence of the late President Chiang Kai-shek. Due to the establishment of the residence here, the surrounding area is strictly prohibited from renovation and new construction, allowing the park to maintain its natural landscape, with the sounds of insects and birds, and beautiful scenery, making it an excellent place for leisure and recreation in the suburbs. In 1996, the residence was opened to the public for horticultural viewing and recreational use. The Rose Garden is the favorite garden of Madam Chiang; the romantic sights in the Western-style garden are among the most popular locations for newlyweds to take wedding photos; the Chinese garden, with its arch bridges, winding ponds, and flowing water, immerses visitors in the ambiance of an ancient Chinese courtyard. Shilin Residence Park is mainly divided into an outdoor music stage, the Rose Garden, themed gardens, inner gardens, the main building, a walking area, a Western-style garden, a Chinese garden, the Kaige Hall, the New Lanting, a horticultural exhibition hall, and the Ciyun Pavilion. In March each year, visitors can admire nearly 100 varieties of approximately 2,000 roses blooming in Madam Chiang's favorite Rose Garden; the themed gardens and walking areas are meticulously planned highlight areas for the annual Chrysanthemum and Tulip Exhibitions; the Western and Chinese gardens feature beautiful seasonal flower beds; the New Lanting and horticultural exhibition hall regularly present floral exhibitions based on different seasons throughout the year, welcoming visitors with a range of floral displays. The Kaige Hall is a place for the Chiang family’s worship and baptism. The New Lanting, built in 1950 and also known as the Shou Pavilion, is a four-cornered Chinese-style structure, where various floral exhibitions are held, as well as the place where President Chiang celebrated his birthdays. The Ciyun Pavilion, located on Fushan, is a two-story square pavilion built by the late president in memory of his mother. Every year, various flower exhibitions such as the Tulip Exhibition, Rose Exhibition, Butterfly Orchid Exhibition, and Chrysanthemum Exhibition are held at Shilin Residence, with the most well-known being the Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Tulip Exhibition, which create vibrant displays by integrating flowers with the park's landscaping. The Chrysanthemum Exhibition, held from late autumn to winter in November and December, is one of the most famous flower exhibitions in Taiwan, showcasing various types of chrysanthemums and themed displays that transform Shilin Residence into a large garden, attracting visitors from all over. The Tulip Exhibition takes place every February after the Lunar New Year, featuring over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan and exotic installation art, giving visitors the feel of being abroad. Shilin Residence Park officially opened to the public in 1996 and actively strengthens its planning and construction to provide better services, becoming another leisure spot for the public in Taipei City.
