[TAIWAN] TAIPEI - Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Shilin Night Market

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

We leisurely spent the day in Beitou, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Shilin Night Market, which are all on the metro red line, on our fourth day in Taiwan. In the afternoon after our visit to Beitou, we moved to the magnificent Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂) and the grand Liberty Square Arch (自由廣場牌樓). Every inch of the memorial was designed with intention and symbolism. 

The octagonal roof represents the number eight, a figure traditionally associated with abundance and good fortune. There are 89 steps leading up to the main museum, representing Chiang Kai-shek’s age at the time of his passing.

The ground level of the memorial houses a library and a museum documenting Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. You’ll find exhibits detailing Taiwan’s history, personal artifacts (including his armored cars!), and the evolution of the island's development. 

The upper level is the heart of the monument. Inside the main hall sits a bronze statue of Chiang, framed by his political philosophy. It is also where a guard mounting ceremony takes place at regular intervals. Behind the statue, three banners read 倫理 (Ethics), 民主 (Democracy), and 科學 (Science). These were the three pillars of Chiang’s political philosophy for the Republic of China.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission is free

Getting there: MRT (Red Line 2 or Green Line 3) and get off at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station, Exit 5.

We wrapped up the day at Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)—a massive market known for its large food court and arcade games. It’s another rainy day in Taipei, so there wasn’t much crowd at the night market.

We had a delightful dinner at Jin Zhu (真珠) near Taipei Main Station, marking the perfect end for the day. It was by far the best meal we had in Taiwan. Even the white rice was fluffy and cooked to perfection. Their Sanbeiji (三杯雞) and stirred fried water lily are must-try dishes. They have a few branches in Taipei.

Jin Zhu (真珠) restaurant 

Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (last order for lunch is 2.30pm), 5:30 PM - 9:30PM (last order for dinner is 9pm) for weekdays

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last order for lunch is 3.30pm), 5:00 PM - 9:30PM (last order for dinner is 4.30pm) for weekends