The National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall

After visiting the university, I hopped back on the subway and traveled just three stops and arrived at probably my most anticipated Taipei sightseeing destination: the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall.

This area reminded me of a miniature ‘Tiananmen Square’ or a much smaller ‘National Mall’ in D.C. Its focal point is the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall along with the two ‘halls’ on either side: The National Theater Hall and The National Concert Hall – both absolutely, strikingly gorgeous buildings.

For many, this area is THE ‘photographic mecca’ of Taipei. The area contains the memorial, national performance centers, and an attractive park surrounded by walkways that can be visited by day or night. In fact, I did come back later that night to view the flood-lit performance centers (which was impressive) but it was really too dark to take good photos.

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is the famous symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China (i.e., Taiwan - not the mainland). It is a famous monument, landmark and tourist attraction erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China and revolutionary. It is here that the nation's flag is raised every morning, and the huge court yard in front of the memorial serves as a place for both national celebrations as well as a platform to voice one's disapproval of the government. The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour – just like the ones at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall across town. Also like Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's Hall, the statue is in a sitting posture.  Downstairs, there is a museum of Chiang's life, complete with his sedans, utensils, papers, and uniforms.

The Memorial Hall is white with four sides. The octagonal roof rises approximately 250 feet above the ground and is covered with blue tiles. The blue and white colors of the building and the red color of the flowerbeds reflect the colors in the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The octagonal shape picks up the symbolism of the number 8, a number traditionally associated in Asia with abundance and good fortune - if you're curious, the number 4 is the 'unlucky' number. Two sets of white stairs, each with 89 steps to represent Chiang's age at the time of his death, lead to the main entrance. The hall was completed in 1980.

Completed in 1987, The National Theater Hall and National Concert Hall are Taiwan’s twin, primary, national performing arts venues that host Taiwanese plays, dance troupes, concerts, and international events among others. Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra performs at the National Concert Hall. Both are two of the first major performing arts facilities to be established in Asia. What I like about the buildings is that – though modern in function and purpose – they recall the traditional elements of Chinese palace architecture. Each structure can host at least two events simultaneously. Outdoor performances can be staged on the square as well. Both host a constant stream of events by local and international artists each year - you can pick up free bi-monthly programs showing what is upcoming. The pipe organ (which I did not get to see) in the National Concert Hall was the largest organ in Asia at the time of its installation in 1987. Both structures house art galleries, libraries, shops, and restaurants. 

 

I walked around the square for a couple hours and it was great; it was such a nice day, the area was very clean, the architecture stunning, and people were having a good time. I bought a bottle of Heineken (that's all they had - by the way, the national beer is simply called 'Taiwan Beer' - can anyone say monopoly?) at a very small outdoor café outside the Concert Hall. I visited the museum beneath Memorial Hall which was nice. There was an orchestra playing in the lobby hall. I really liked this entire area.

It was now around 4:30pm and I still had one more sight to see before heading out for some dinner and drinks on my last night in Taipei. It already had been a long day; I had already visited the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, National Taiwan University, and the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall/Square. Next, Taipei 101.

By the way, the concert hall is the second pic below and the theater hall is the third – they both look strikingly similar.  Enjoy the pics...