Taiwan Travel Journal 2024.05.22 台灣旅行日記 (中正紀念堂)

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in memory of Chiang Kai-shek (Chiang Chung-cheng), the first president of the Republic of China, who passed away in 1975. It was designed by Yang Zhuocheng, the architect behind the renowned Grand Hotel. The site covers an area of 250,000 square meters.

The main hall of the memorial is 70 meters high and predominantly features the blue and white colors found on the national flag. The decorative elements atop the structure resemble the 12 rays of the "Blue Sky with a White Sun," a symbol from the Republic of China’s emblem. The memorial's square layout symbolizes Chiang Kai-shek’s commitment to Zhongzheng (meaning “righteousness”).

Inspired by the architectural styles of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and Guangzhou’s Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall incorporates glazed tiles and an octagonal spire. These elements represent the Eight Virtues, while a hidden human figure within the design symbolizes the unity of heaven and man.

A grand staircase leads to the memorial hall, consisting of 84 granite steps at the front and an additional 5 steps inside—totaling 89 steps, which correspond to Chiang Kai-shek’s age at the time of his death. At the center of these steps stands the Danbi, adorned with the national emblem of the Republic of China—an architectural feature typically reserved for palaces or temples.

Inside the Bronze Statue Hall, visitors encounter a commanding bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek. The statue faces west, toward both the Presidential Office Building and mainland China, carrying symbolic significance. The base of the statue bears the full text of The Will of Late President Chiang Kai-shek. Behind the statue, the words "Ethics, Democracy, and Science" are prominently displayed, along with other notable quotes from Chiang, including:

  • "The purpose of life is to enhance the life of all mankind."
  • "The meaning of life is to create the successive life of the universe."

中正紀念堂是為了紀念 1975 年逝世的中華民國第一任總統蔣中正 (蔣介石) 而建造的。它由著名的圓山大飯店的建築設計師楊卓成設計。全區佔地 25 萬平方公尺。

紀念堂主堂體高 70 公尺,以國旗上的藍白兩色為主色調。頂部的裝飾是象徵著中華民國國徽「青天白日」的十二道光芒。紀念堂的方形佈局象徵蔣中正對「中正」精神的堅守。

中正紀念堂的建築風格仿效北京天壇和廣州中山紀念堂,採用琉璃瓦八角攢尖頂,象徵八德,而隱藏其中的人形則象徵天人合一。

通往紀念堂的樓梯氣勢恢宏,正面有 84 級花崗岩台階,大廳有 5 級台階,合計 89 階,代表蔣中正享壽 89 歲。階梯中央矗立著丹陛,上面裝飾著中華民國國徽——這種建築風格通常只出現在宮殿或廟堂中。

走進紀念堂,遊客首先映入眼簾的是一尊氣勢恢宏的蔣中正銅像。銅像面向西,面向總統府和中國大陸,具有重要的象徵意義。銅像基座刻有「先總統 蔣公遺囑」全文。銅像背後醒目地懸掛著「倫理、民主、科學」字樣,以及蔣中正的其他名言,包括:

  • 「生活的目的在增進人類全體之生活」
  • 「生命的意義在創造宇宙繼起之生命」
Photo Date: 2024.03.30

Flag lowering ceremony. 降旗典禮

Photo Date: 2014.10.16, 2016.10.17
The honor guard of the three armed forces of the Republic of China is stationed regularly, and the hourly changing of the guard is also a major attraction.
中華民國三軍儀隊定期進駐,每小時一次的換崗儀式也是一大看點。
Displays and exhibitions are located on the lower floor of the main hall. 正堂下層有陳列與展覽。

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall archway 中正紀念堂牌樓

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall archway is 30 meters high and 80 meters wide. Its design primarily features blue and white, symbolizing the Blue Sky with a White Sun. It is the largest archway in Taipei City.

The inscription on the plaque above the archway originally read "Dazhong Zhizheng" (大中至正), a phrase derived from the teachings of Wang Yangming, Chiang's most admired philosopher. The phrase conveys the ideals of fairness, impartiality, honesty, and selflessness.

Following a shift in political leadership, the inscription was changed to "Liberty Square" on December 8, 2007.

中正紀念堂牌樓高 30 公尺,寬 80 公尺,外觀以象徵青天白日的藍白兩色為主,為台北市最大的牌樓。

牌坊上方匾額原為「大中至正」,出自蔣介石最推崇的哲學家王陽明講學語錄《傳習錄》:「粹然大中至正之歸矣。」

由於政黨替換,2007 年 12 月 8 日之後,被更換為「自由廣場」。

The following photo was taken in 1992. "Dazhong Zhizheng" can be seen. 以下照片攝於1992,可見「大中至正」之字。

National Theater and the National Concert Hall 國家戲劇院及國家音樂廳

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall campus also includes the National Theater and the National Concert Hall, located on the north and south sides of the square. These are collectively known as the "National Two Halls". The campus also features Democracy Boulevard, which leads to the main building, and the Arts Plaza, part of the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) area, also known as Democracy Square.

In addition to being a space for public leisure and relaxation, the site also serves as a venue for large-scale artistic and cultural events, frequently hosting exhibitions and performances. Welcoming ceremonies, including military salutes for visiting heads of state from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, have also been held here.

A covered corridor surrounds the park, featuring Chinese-style lantern windows placed every 4.5 meters. There are 26 distinct window designs, giving the corridor a unique and traditional character.

Within the park, Yun Han Pond and Guang Hua Pond, styled in classical Chinese garden design, evoke a sense of national restoration. The ponds are home to numerous koi carp, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

The main buildings, avenues, squares, and archways of the park have been designated national monuments by the Ministry of Culture of the Executive Yuan, under the name "Taiwan Democracy Memorial Park." Additionally, the East Gate, portions of Zhongshan South Road, and parts of the park are registered as cultural landscapes by the Taipei City Government, under the name "Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall."

From the naming of this national monument and cultural landscape, one can observe the complex interplay of history, symbolism, and political ideology that continues to resonate in this space.

中正紀念堂園區還包括位於廣場南北兩側的國家戲劇院和國家音樂廳,合稱「國家兩廳院」。以及主建築前的民主大道和兩廳院藝文廣場(亦稱民主廣場)

這裡除了是民眾休閒放鬆的空間外,也常舉辦大型文藝活動,如展覽、表演等,邦交國元首訪臺歡迎儀式(軍禮)也在此舉行。

環繞園區的環外迴廊每隔 4.5 公尺就崁一個中國式燈籠窗。 26 個窗戶圖案各異,賦予了走廊獨特的傳統風格。

園內,雲漢池和光華池,以中國古典庭園風格,營造出濃厚的民族復興氣息,寓意「漢影雲根」及「光復中華」。池中飼養著眾多錦鯉,更添寧靜祥和的氛圍。

園區主體建築、大道、廣場、牌樓等,已被行政院文化部指定為國定古蹟,命名為「台灣民主紀念園區」。此外,東門、部分中山南路及公園部分區域,已被台北市政府指定為文化景觀,命名為「中正紀念堂」。

從這座國定古蹟和文化景觀的命名中,可略見這裏暗藏了政治及意識形態的爭奪。

The following photos were taken in 2008. The shocking scenes caused by the change in political parties remain vivid in my memory.
以下照片拍攝於 2008 年,當時政黨輪替所引發的觸目驚心畫面,至今仍歷歷在目。

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