Taipei Sights

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

#5 of 117 things to do in Taipei

#8 of 851 museum sights in Asia

4 reviews | Write a review

Good for: photos, admiring architecture

Not good for: unbiased history

  • Address
    • 21 Zhongshan S Rd Old Town Centre
  • Transport
    • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 02 2343 1100
  • Price
    • admission free
  • Hours
    • 09:00-17:00

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Lonely Planet review for Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Whether the imposing Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall will always be known as the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is anybody's guess. Many and strident are the voices in the high halls of Taiwan's government calling for this 70m-tall memorial to Taiwan's one-time dictator to be renamed, and the massive statue removed.

For now, this iconic monument with its white walls and blue octagonal roof still stands as a grandiose, ostentatious and perhaps fitting memorial to the man who, in life, was known in some circles as 'General Cash-my-check'. On the ground floor you'll find a museum dedicated to Chiang's life, with an assortment of military uniforms, medals, paintings and manuscripts, along with two humungous black bulletproof Cadillacs he used. You'll also find in this museum an interesting version of history in which Chiang's Kuomintang (KMT, Nationalist Party) forces nearly single-handedly defeated the Japanese empire, and the Chinese communist revolution is reduced to a mere speed bump in history.

 

Traveller reviews for Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (4)

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    nice place to hop off and take pictures ;)

    maharanidian recommends this,

    Good for: photos, admiring architecture

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    The memorial to a dead dictator whitewashes history.

    wix99 does not recommend this,

    Many tourists are attracted to this location and admire the architecture. However, be aware that this is a memorial erected in honor of one of the 20th century's most brutal dictators. If you really want to learn about Taiwan's history visit the 228 Museum in the nearby 228 Peace Park.

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    Worth the quick stop off the MRT.

    allonsoma recommends this,

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    can't come to Taiwan and not see this

    carobbine recommends this,

    it's an iconic site that you've got to visit if you're in Taiwan. standing in the courtyard taking in the architecture is pretty amazing.

    Good for: photos

    Not good for: unbiased history

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