Charleson: Taipei 臺北

Taipei - Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek

Today plan is to visit both memorial hall of taiwan strong man. Early morning planning to go Heping park

河濱公園 expecting to see some local activities going on such as Taichi, yoga or some local relaxing, but to my disappointment there isn't anything happening there and its not really a park but just a small patch of river bank.

So head to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall 國父紀念館. on the way from distance away i am able to see Taipei 101 pierce out from other tall building.

The memorial hall is constructed in the memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen who is the founding father of the Republic of China. It was constructed in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth and was opened in May 16, 1972, with the majestic architecture and placid landscape covering an area of some 115,500 sq. meters.

In the main hall there are four large exhibition building where contemporary arts and historical articles are displayed. Besides there is auditorium which lecture and seminars are held.

On the inside, the 19-foot bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, watched over the day by motionless military honor guards.

The park at the front yard of the hall is named Zhongshan Park overlooking Taipei 101.

The front entrance of the hall. It is much less touristy here than the newer and larger Chiang Kai-shek Memorial.

Everyday during the day when the hour strike, all motionless honor guard come to life. Throughout the hour they are not allow to move even a single inch. It seems as they are statue but during each hour strike formal changing of guard will take place.

After witnessing changing of guard and visiting Sun Yat-sen memorial hall, go to Taipei 101. Before reaching Taipei 101 will pass-by Taipei city hall 臺北市政府 which has a large front yard where many events and concerts are held especially during countdown.

Taipei 101 with Hyatt hotel by the side

After visiting taipei 101 and stumble upon taipei PC fair at Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) 台北世界貿易中心. Went in and have a look at the PC fair and it was crowded and much more tenant compare to Malaysia PC fair, PIKOM. The atmosphere is much better here with many performance and beautiful model from each tenant.

After buying some computer and camera accessories time to get to National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 中正紀念堂

This memorial hall is one of the latest tourist attraction and symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China.

p/s: take MRT Green line and stop at G11 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station

National Theater Hall 國家戲劇院 from the back.

National Concert Hall 國家音樂廳 from front.

The entrance archway

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.

National Concert Hall 國家音樂廳

National Theater Hall 國家戲劇院

Inside the memorial hall consist of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek

Watched over by motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony.

Formal changing of guard in front statue of Chiang Kai-shek

From above the memorial hall, the full view of the courtyard, entry arch to the end, National Theater Hall to the left and National Concert Hall to the right. There are also gardens with Chinese style ponds at the side that worth a visit as well.