Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The white-marble memorial hall is topped with a roof of blue tile against a red background—the colors of Taiwan’s flag. Inside is a museum with exhibits chronicling Chiang Kai-Shek’s life. The National Theater and National Concert Hall are also located within the memorial park grounds. Don’t miss the impressive archway entrance, 98 feet (30 meters) tall and 262 feet (80 meters) wide.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall features on most sightseeing tours of Taipei. Choose a half-day or full-day tour, which typically also includes sights such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus for the most flexibility, or experience Taipei like a local and join a bicycle, walking, and MRT tour of the city. You can also visit the hall and other top Taipei sights as part of a shore excursion from Keelung.

• The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a must-visit for those with an interest in Taiwan’s history.

• Don’t forget to bring your camera to take photos of the stunning memorial hall, entry, and park.

• Guided tours are available in Mandarin, English, and Japanese. Book ahead for English and Japanese tours.

• The 89 steps leading to the memorial hall are steep and high. There is an elevator too, as well as an entrance on the ground floor next to the stairs.

The memorial hall is located in Taipei’s Zhongzheng district. By MRT, take the Red Line to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station. You can also take the Taipei Double-Decker bus to the Xinyi and Linsen intersection stop.

The memorial hall is open year-round except for Chinese New Year’s Eve and Day. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. A popular event is the Changing of the Guard, which happens every hour on the hour from 9am to 5pm; get there a few minutes early to secure a good spot.

On the memorial hall’s first floor are several permanent exhibits related to Chiang Kai-Shek, and his family life, ascent to power, time as a wartime leader of China, move from China to Taiwan, and presidency in Taiwan. His office, as well as uniforms, medals, and even some of his cars, are also on display. The exhibition halls also host temporary shows on occasion, some of which charge an admission fee.