CKS Shilin Residence Park

Once upon a time this multifaceted botanical garden, the CKS Shilin Residence Park was part of the sprawling estate of Generalissimo and Mrs Chiang Kai-shek. They ruled the gardens with an iron hand, overseeing the pruning, weeding and other daily gardening tasks from their palatial home overlooking the estates, all the while dreaming of their inevitable triumphant retaking of mainland China.

When the Generalissimo died, Madame Chiang (who never much cared for Taiwan), wasted no time in moving her official residence to America. For decades the estate and the surrounding gardens were closed to the public.