23 May, Thursday
Photo By: chopsticksontheloose
TAIWAN, Taipei – Officially opened to the public in 1980, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is perhaps the most prominent historical landmark in Taiwan. Although primarily a monument to one of the country’s most important leaders, the inclusion of a memorial park, concert hall and national theatre helps the landmark serve various social, civil and tourism purposes as well.
Rising to a height of 76m, the octogonal memorial hall features a combination of white, blue and red – the same colours that appear on Taiwan’s national flag. Visitors may ascend the hall via the twin flight of steps that number 89 each, signifying the mortal age of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek when he passed.
Complete the trek to be rewarded by the sight of a larger-than-life bronze statue of the former president, guarded round the clock by living, breathing military personnel.
