CHANG KAI-SHEK NATIONAL MEMORIAL

A place of pilgrimage for many Taiwanese, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial pays tribute to the man who ruled the island for almost thirty years. Opened on April 5, 1980, five years after the president's death, this 76 m-high white marble building overlooks a 25-hectare garden.

In the main hall, a 25-tonne bronze statue of the president is guarded by an hourly guard. The main entrance, measuring 30 m by 80 m in Ming architectural style, faces the Kulun mountains in mainland China, reflecting Chiang's hope of returning to his homeland.

The memorial's originality lies in its octagonal roof, inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City, with each side symbolizing a moral principle (fidelity, piety, altruism, trust, love, bravery, harmony and peace). The vast 200 m-long paved square is flanked by the National Theatre and the National Concert Hall, added in 1987 and now major cultural centers.

Inside, an exhibition features photos, artefacts and correspondence about Chiang Kai-shek. Although his life story merits attention, the "Generalissimo" practiced a cult of personality, and the items on display can be seen as propaganda. Calligraphy gardens are popular for wedding photos. A path of pointed stones allows visitors to rebalance their energies by walking barefoot. Below the memorial, you'll find a gallery with souvenir stores and toilets.