Climbing the Stairs to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall 国立中正纪念堂
Taipei is a city of contradictions. It is one which is ultra modern in parts while still rooted in the past in some. One thing which struck me was how Taipei would not forget their past. Chiang Kai Shek is probably one of the major figures in the modern history of Taiwan. It can be argued that Chiang Kai Shek would be credited or blamed for how Taiwan is now. Because of his importance in the existence of Taiwan, he was built a memorial hall, not unlike a major figure in their giant neighbor who is also built a memorial hall of his own. I have been here long time ago and it is just as imposing as it was back then.
Massive Doorway of the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall 国立中正纪念堂
The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is built on the eastern end of Liberty Square. The design of the memorial hall is meant to be imposing and yet Chinese. The blue tiled roof is reminiscent of the roofs of pagodas and halls from Chinese Palaces. There is a large door where visitors would pass through. Because of this curious design, one might get the impression that the memorial hall isn’t that large. That is until you go to the foot of the stairs or at least see the people streaming into the memorial hall. At the time of my visit, only one set of stairs was open for use. It seems that there other side is under repair.
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