Yixian Park Introduction
Yixian Park, also known as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, is located near Taipei Main Station. This small park commemorates Sun Yat-sen. The Republic of China chose this site as one of the parks to honor the National Father primarily because it was where Sun Yat-sen stayed during his visit to Taiwan in 1913. The lodging was also the venue for discussions on political affairs between Taiwan's Governor-General Sakuma Samata and Sun Yat-sen. The current address is No. 46, Section 1, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, bordered by Civic Boulevard to the north, Section 1 of Zhongshan North Road to the east, and Taipei Main Station to the west. Yixian Park covers an area of approximately 3,025 square meters, with the main structure being the "Mei House," which spans about 50 ping. The Mei House, named for the "plum trees" planted in the garden, was built in 1900 and originally operated as a lodging house by a Japanese proprietor, Yamato Soji. It was a famous high-class lodging house in Taipei during the Japanese colonial period, located in Beimen District, frequently hosting Taiwan’s Governor-General, business tycoons, and social elites, with the option to summon geishas for entertainment. The lodging house features a rectangular traditional Japanese architectural style with a roof covered in classic dark tiles. It is said that the lodging house once promoted itself by showcasing performances by geishas of the Takasago tribe to attract visitors. The Mei House has hosted prominent figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Hu Hanmin in the early 20th century. In 1907, renowned director Takamatsu Toyojiro, commissioned by the Taiwan Governor-General's Office, featured the performances of Japanese geishas portrayed by the Takasago tribe in the film "Taiwan Actual Conditions," listing Mei House as one of Taiwan's top twenty scenic spots.
