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Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

In the wake of Chiang Kai-shek's death on April 5,1975, Chinese communities at home and abroad generously donated funds for the government to build the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall as an expression of their high esteem for the late President and as a way of eternally cherishing his memory. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on October 31,1976, construction commenced in November 1977 and was completed in March 1980, and the hall was officially opened on April 5 the same year.

The C.K.S. Memorial Hall occupies an area of 250,000 square meters, and its majestic main gateway on Chung Shan South Road, the Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness, stands 30meters tall. The hall is also flanked by two side entrances: the Gate of Great Loyalty on Hsin Yi Road to the north, and the Gate of Great Piety on Ai Kuo East Road to the south. Surrounded by a 1,200-meter covered walk, the parklike grounds include magnificent ornamental red flowerbeds, tree-lined avenues and green lawns on both sides of the Boulevard of Homage together with winding pathways, Plantations, two carp lakes, three exercise areas, two cobblestone and three rockeries. The garden layout blends nature and cultural space in a style that ref1ects the Chinese aesthetic of "heaven and man at one", forming an oasis of tranquillity amid the modern city bustle. Situated at the heart of Taipei city, the C.K.S. Memorial Hall's majestic architecture is typically Chinese while also incorporating features of memorial halls in other countries. The National Theater's palace roof, the National Concert Hall's hip-and-gable roof and the Memorial Hall's octagonal roof complement one another in a vibrant salute to the spirit of Chinese culture. The C.K.S. Memorial Hall, 70meters high, is capped by a steeply-pitched octagonal roof clad in blue-glazed tiles. Its solemn white marble walls are colorfully set off by the red flowerbeds in front of the hall. The hall's upper floor houses a bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, behind which stands the inscription: "Ethics, Democracy, Science"-the essence of the Three Principles of the People and of Chiang Kai-shek's political thinking. The walls to each side are inscribed: "Life's purpose is to further the general life of mankind; Life's meaning is to create that life by which the universe is sustained", embodying the ideals and motives of Chiang Kai-shek's lifelong struggle. The bronze double doors from an arch 16 meters high and weight 75 tons; The hall's ground floor contains relics exhibition rooms, a film theater, two art galleries, a library, an audio-visual center and the C.K.S. Memorial office. Over the years, Taipei's majestic C.K.S. Memorial Hall has become a major city landmark. Its lively social education program and its promotion of social activities have also made it into m ideal leisure park for Taipei's citizens, as well as an excellent place to immerse yourself in culture.

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