Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lar attraction, but don't let anyone convince you it's a great piece of architecture. Mocked
for politically correct bad taste, the hall is a prime example of the so-called palace, or
neo-classical, style favoured by CKS as a counterpoint to the Cultural Revolution's de-
struction of real classical culture in China.
Entrance to the main hall is made via a series of 88 steps (the age of Chiang when he
died). Inside the cavernous hall is an artefact museum with Chiang's two Cadillacs, vari-
ous documents and articles from daily life. The hourly changing of the honour guard is
probably the most popular sight with most visitors.
In 2007, the park was renamed 'Liberty Square' in honour of Taiwan's long road to
democracy, and for a time it was conceivable that the memorial itself would be renamed
and the Chiang sculpture itself removed. That didn't happen, and the reasons (which will
vary depending on who you ask) pretty much summarise where modern Taiwan is at both
politically and socially.
Presidential Office Building
HISTORIC BUILDING
(Zǒngtǒng Fǔ;
www.president.gov.tw
;
122 Chongqing S Rd, Sec 1; with passport free; 9-11.30am
Mon-Fri; NTU Hospital)
Built in 1919 as the seat of the Japanese Governor-Gener-
al of Taiwan, this striking building has housed the offices of the Republic of China
(ROC) president since 1949. Its classical European-fusion style includes many Japanese
cultural elements, such as a sunrise facing front, and a shape in the form of the character
part of (Japan), as seen from the air.
National Taiwan Museum
MUSEUM
(Guólì Táiwān Bówùguǎn;
www.ntm.gov.tw
;
2 Xiangyang Rd; admission NT$20; 9.30am-5pm Tue-
Sun; ; NTU Hospital)
Established in 1908 as Taiwan's first public museum, the
present location in 2-28 Park hails from 1915. Unless there is a special exhibit happening
(they are frequent and often excellent), give this place a miss as the permanent natural
history and prehistory displays aren't particularly interesting and have little accompany-
ing English write-up.
