Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Rise and shine, full schedule ahead!! Check-out of Westin Hotel, check-in at the Regent Hotel. Wanna know why? Ok, once upon a time.....Ehem...long story...I'll keep that to myself.

After enjoying a luxurious breakfast at Westin Hotel and dropping our luggage at the fabulous Regent Hotel, we adjourned to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正纪念堂). Built to commemorate the former President Chiang Kai-shek, this impressive architecture houses some of Chiang Kai-Shek's most valuable documents and art works. The building is framed on the both sides by the National Theatre and National Concert Hall.

To get there (I know I've said this many times, bare with me), alight at CKS Memorial Hall Station (Tamsui line). Take Exit 5 and the entire plaza is within site. Operating hours 9am to 6pm. Free admission, that's what I love about Taiwan. Upon exit, this is the first building you'll see on your right.

The National Opera House with a 'hip' roof top

 

the National Theatre Hall witnessing the human formations of a Buddha

 the Ceremonial Gateway to Liberty Square

Whoa...the grand facade of the Memorial Hall from the National Opera House

The three stories of broad and solid foundations symbolises impartial and righteous

 89 steps that represent Chiang's age at the time of his death..hmmm...good training ground

Bronze statue of CKS...inscribed on the walls are Chinese characters for Science, Democracy, and Ethics (from left to right)

The octagonal shape represents the number 8, a number traditionally associated with prosperity

 " The purpose of life is to improve the general life of humanity"

A quite good looking honour guard *wink*

View from a hole...

Wide angle shot...impressive isn't it?

We could spend the whole morning taking wonderful shots from different angles but nevertheless, time is of the essence. Without further ado, we trotted (just for animation purposes) to the museum inside the building.

 One of Chiang's official state cars 

Inside the museum

 Memorial office of  President Chiang

Chiang's official state car - seven seated Cadillac limousine

Exited at the west gate "Da Zhong Men"

 Left CKS Memorial Hall at mid-noon. Ow..all this walking is making me hungry. Time to grab some lunch....