NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO DR. SUN YAT-SEN

As early as the mid-1960s, Chiang Kai-shek wanted to pay tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, considered to be the founding father of modern China. A competition was organized, and the architect Wang Da-hong, already known for having designed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, won the jury's preference. After the Generalissimo had modified the original plans to pay greater homage to the canons of classical Chinese architecture, the imposing building saw the light of day in 1972. In 1975, Sun Yat-sen's official funeral was held here. Since then, it has become one of the symbols of the city. Taipei's inhabitants love to gather here to stroll in the park, practice tai chi or improvise a dance lesson. On Sundays, rollerblades and skateboards take over the esplanade.

The hall of the National Memorial houses a bronze statue of Doctor Sun Yat-sen, measuring 6 m and weighing almost 17 t, in front of which visitors watch the changing of the guard every hour. The galleries on the upper floors house permanent exhibitions of Chinese painting and calligraphy, as well as temporary exhibitions. Finally, the Historical Documents of Dr. Sun Yat-sen room traces the revolutionary's history through manuscripts, photos and files. As the figure of Sun Yat-sen is as important as that of Chiang Kai-shek, the information on display here is state propaganda, and should not be taken at face value. But it does provide an opportunity to review the core of his doctrine, which inspired the constitution of the Republic of China: "the three principles of the people", i.e. nationalism, democracy and the well-being of the people.

Outside, the square facing the entrance, permanently covered with red and yellow flowerbeds, leads off to the left into the blue-green, water-lily-covered lake. Also in the garden is the Chung-shan forest of steles, built in memory of the revolutionaries who supported the famous doctor. A sundial of 23 granite steles stands as a reminder of the message of those who overthrew the ideas of imperial China. As well as being a must-see in Taipei, the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial is also certainly the best place from which to take great photos of Taipei 101 Tower. Attention photo enthusiasts.