National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek, the first President of the Republic of China, who passed away in 1975. The Executive Yuan broke ground for its construction the following year. The designer was Yang Cho-cheng, who also designed the Grand Hotel. The original site of the Memorial Hall was the Army Headquarters, then the largest military zone in Taipei City. It is said that gold transported from mainland China was once stored here. The blue and white colors used in the Memorial Hall are the main colors of the national flag. The dome's ceiling decoration features a white sun with twelve rays against a blue sky, and the bronze statue faces west towards the Presidential Office Building and mainland China, each carrying special significance. With the evolution of democracy and the opening of ideas, the plaza in front of the Memorial Hall has become a gathering place for democratic movements. To the left and right of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are the National Concert Hall and the National Theater. The National Theater is a venue for performances such as drama and dance, frequently hosting large-scale events including Peking Opera, plays, and children's programs. The National Concert Hall is Taiwan's premier music performance venue, often hosting large musical events like chamber music and symphonies. The plaza in front of the National Theater and Concert Hall also periodically hosts drama and music events, attracting numerous visitors. With its white walls and blue tiles, the 70-meter-tall structure stands majestically in the center of the memorial park, appearing magnificent from every angle. International tourists visiting Taiwan, regardless of their itinerary, invariably include a visit here. Below the Memorial Hall, there are displays, exhibitions, and souvenir sales.