Grand Hotel Taipei Introduction
The Grand Hotel, established in 1952, is a 14-story palace-style building majestically situated at the foothills of Yuanshan Mountain, facing the Keelung River in front, backed by Yangmingshan, overlooking Songshan to the east, and Tamsui to the west. The hotel's magnificent exterior features red columns and golden tiles, highlighting the grandeur of classical aesthetics and conveying the beauty of Chinese art. It is one of Taipei's iconic landmarks, renowned worldwide, making it the best choice for both tourists and business meetings. The beauty of Yuanshan lies in its majestic Chinese architecture and opulent classical style. Its mystery is rooted in its legendary historical significance and folklore. The tranquility of Yuanshan comes from its distance from the hustle and bustle and its proximity to serene scenic landscapes. The Centennial Golden Dragon, originally a copper dragon placed in front of the Taiwan Shrine, was preserved in its original form during the expansion of the Grand Hotel, presenting a perfect display in the Golden Dragon Restaurant, and was plated with 24K gold during its renovation in the 76th year. Uniquely, this coiled dragon has three claws, differing from the traditional four-clawed or five-clawed dragons in Chinese culture. The plum blossom caisson in the center of the Grand Hotel lobby ceiling features a plum blossom design with five golden dragons surrounding a pearl, symbolizing "Five Blessings Arriving at the Door." Although there are 23 golden dragons and 16 phoenixes surrounding the caisson, the number "3" phonetically resembles "rise", indicating continuous advancement, while "16" accompanying the large plum blossom signifies prosperity, conveying deeper significance. The flying eaves and bracket sets of the roof express the ancient Chinese civilization. A row of crouching beasts sits atop the projecting eaves, while the chiwei, a tile-based beast-shaped ornament, is positioned between the main ridge and the drop ridge. Below the roof, the lavish yet robust bracket structure is one of the most admirable features of Chinese architecture. The large floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the main entrance of the Grand Hotel are elegant and upright, but a closer inspection reveals six ancient characters depicting "Long Live the Republic of China" inscribed on the door, reflecting the historical context during the reconstruction of the Grand Hotel and showcasing the designer's ingenuity. The entrance steps leading to the Shigandang Arch feature a large stone monument engraved with cursive script penned by Yu Youren, displaying the powerful characters "Jiantan Shengji." Upon verification, these four characters express that Yuanshan is a sacred place, thus maintaining the Grand Hotel's esteemed status for over a century.
