Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial

Last weekend afforded an opportunity for a short visit to Taipei. With absolutely no prior experience in Taiwan's capitol, my roommate and I decided to explore the nearby Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall during our few free afternoon hours. We eagerly set out on foot, trusting to recognize the reknowned site neither before beheld by either.

Recognize it we did. Standing on the corner of a large intersection, debating the possibility of having received poor directions, we lifted our eyes and observed a scene both had managed to overlook only 30 seconds previous. Directly opposite us stretched an elaborate white and blue-trimmed wall encompassing a beautiful city park, easily imagined to canvas the entire city block. Rising distantly above the treeline, an ornate roof bespoke the presence of a magnificent structure situated deeper within the walled grounds. Our steps were immediately bent toward it.



We meandered forward, admiring the extensive variety of shrubbery and appreciating the relief of shade. The enormous building loomed before us on the far side of the garden. We approached from the rear of the memorial, unexposed to the full grandeur of the scene about to be discovered. The hall is impressive indeed - a fortress of immaculate white stone standing atop an elevated base, itself at least two stories high. The majestic pagoda roof, upon close inspection, is of the most intricate design, and looks almost as if built entirely of, well, legos. Inside the hall sits a daunting statue of the late President. The woodwork decorating the ceiling above is simply awesome.

Continuing to the front of the hall, the full scale of the C.K.S. Memorial Park was soon revealed in a breathtaking panorama. The park occupies several city blocks, by conservative estimate, in both breadth and width. From the base of the memorial hall extends the Boulevard of Homage, a broad stone thoroughfare flanked by symmetrically manicured gardens. The far end of the Boulevard joins to the east side of the expansive C.K.S. Square. Exactly opposite on the west end stands the park's main gate, the striking 30-meter high Gate of "Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness." On the north and south sides are located the National Concert Hall and the National Theater respectively. Awed and in no hurry to move on, we readily passed an hour, and more, surveying the many remarkable sites.

Our brief tour of the capitol also allowed a visit to the Taipei Taiwan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nestled quietly in the midst of another otherwise frenzied neighborhood, the Temple contrasts sharply against the surrounding city blocks. The grounds, though restricted in size, possess the signature elegance common to all temples scattered throughout the many corners of the globe. A special spirit shrouds this beautiful edifice.