Short description: the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a monument in honor of Chiang Kai Shek, who ruled Taiwan from 1949 to 1975. Chiang Kai Shek is one of the founders of the ROC, and he fought against Mao Zedong until he had to retreat on the island, the last stronghold of the republic. Here he ruled in a dictatorial manner until his death. The memorial is a true marvel, although controversial for many Taiwanese who lived through the repression during his tenure. That is why many have requested that the statue inside be removed and that the name of the memorial be changed. For now they have only managed to get the square in front of it to be renamed Liberty Square, and the road that leads to the memorial, Boulevard of Democracy. Controversy aside, it must be recognized that the memorial is a true marvel. To make your arrival even more impressive, we recommend entering the venue using the main door (Liberty Square Arch) . The views from here are impressive. On your left you will have the National Concert Hall and on your right the National Theater. Keep walking along Liberty Square to the Boulevard de la Democracia, where 88 steps (how old the president was when he died), will take you to the memorial that houses a gigantic statue of Chiang Kai Shek. Every hour on the dot there is a changing of the guard that is interesting to see. On the ground floor there is an exhibition on the history of Chiang Kai Sek that can entertain you for a while. If you go with children, they love the side gardens, in which there are ponds with bridges where they can see fish, ducks and turtles. In this area you can also have a picnic.
Hours: 09.00-18.00. Changing of the guard every hour from 09:00 to 17:00.
Cost: free (under the memorial they sometimes make temporary exhibitions that cost 300 NTD).
How to get there: MRT Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station (red and green lines). We recommend taking exit 5 to enter the Liberty Square Arch, because the views here are impressive.
