NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO DR. SUN YAT-SEN

As early as the mid-1960s, Chiang Kai-shek wanted to pay homage to the man who is considered the founding father of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. A competition is organized, and it is the architect Wang Da-hong, already known for having designed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who wins the jury's preference. After the Generalissimo modified the original plans, in order to better pay homage to the canons of classical Chinese architecture, the imposing building was completed in 1972. In 1975, the official funeral of Sun Yat-sen was held there. Since then, it has been considered one of the symbols of the city. Taipei people like to meet there to stroll in its park, practice tai chi or improvise a dance lesson. On Sundays, rollerblades and skateboards take over the esplanade.

The hall of the National Memorial houses a bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, 6 m tall and weighing nearly 17 tons, in front of which visitors watch the hourly changing of the guard. Permanent exhibitions of Chinese painting and calligraphy and temporary exhibitions are held in the galleries on the upper floors. Finally, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Historical Documents Room traces the history of the revolutionary through manuscripts, photos and files. Since the figure of Sun Yat-sen is as important as that of Chiang Kai-shek, the information presented here is state propaganda: one should therefore not take everything at face value. But it will be an opportunity to revise the core of his doctrine, which inspired the constitution of the Republic of China: "the three principles of the people", i.e. nationalism, democracy and the well-being of the people.

Outside, the square in front of the entrance, permanently covered with red and yellow flowerbeds, leads to the left to the blue-green lake covered with water lilies. Also in the garden is the forest of Chung-shan Steles built in memory of the revolutionaries who supported the famous doctor. A sundial of 23 granite stelae stands as a reminder of the message of those who overthrew the ideas of imperial China. In addition to being a must-see place in Taipei, the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial is certainly the best place from which to take beautiful pictures of Taipei Tower 101. Notice to amateurs.