TAIPEI | CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

#discoverchina The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a prominent national monument in Taipei, Taiwan, dedicated to the memory of Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. Construction began in 1976, a year after Chiang’s death, and the hall officially opened in 1980. The structure features traditional Chinese architectural elements, including a white exterior, blue octagonal roof, and two sets of 89 steps symbolizing Chiang’s age at the time of his passing.   Situated within Liberty Square, the memorial is surrounded by landscaped gardens and flanked by the National Theater and National Concert Hall. The ground level houses a museum and library detailing Chiang’s life and Taiwan’s history, while the upper level contains a large statue of Chiang, where a ceremonial guard change occurs regularly.  Over time, the memorial has become a focal point for public gatherings and political demonstrations, reflecting Taiwan’s journey toward democracy. In recent years, efforts have been made to recontextualize the site, including plans to transform it into a center for reflecting on history and promoting human rights.