Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

If anyone has any doubts as to what Chiang Kai-shek meant to Taiwan, just look at this huge monument and you realize the worship it still professes for him. The white Memorial Hall has long access steps and is symmetrical on all four sides. The 76 m high octagonal roof is covered with blue ceramic tiles. The blue and white colors of the building and the red flowers make up the colors of the Republic of China flag. The octagonal shape reflects the symbolism of the number eight, a number associated with abundance and good fortune in Asia . The stairways have 89 white steps, the age when Chiang died.

A must-see monument in Taipei, specially if interested in the recent history of Taiwan. There is an exhibition about the life of Chiang Kai-Shek, an important Chinese soldier ve became a key figure in the independence of Taiwan from China and President of Taiwan for 30 years. The exhibition is very interesting, although some texts are only written in Chinese.