Things to Do Around Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

中正紀念堂 (Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall)

Address
21, Zhongshan S.Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 10048

Getting There
中正紀念堂 (Green / Red Line) Station, Exit 5

Probably the most prominent historical landmark in Taiwan, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall was erected in honour and memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek, the former President of the Republic of China, and was opened in 1980 as part of a national park.

Standing at 76 metres, the octagon shaped white building is covered with blue tiles and red accents, echoing the flag of Republic of China. The eight sides represent the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with wealth and fortune.


The two flights of stairs that leads to the 76 metres building which houses a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek, consist 89 steps each flight represent Chiang Kai Shek's age of death.

The hourly changing of the honour guard is probably the most popular sight with visitors. I wasn't there at the right time, so I missed the session.


The majestic view from the memorial hall.

Opposite the memorial hall is 自由廣場 (Liberty Square), it is named to honour Taiwan's long road to democracy.



At the sides, it's the 國家戲劇院 (National Theatre) and 國家音樂廳 (National Concert Hall) where renowned musicians and arts group hold their concerts and performances.

The place is enriched with the beauty of chinese architectures which makes it a must visit attraction for sightseeing and photo taking.

南門市場 (Nanmen Market)

Address
中正紀念堂 (Green / Red Line) Station, Exit 2

Getting There
8, Section 1, Roosevelt Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan


Credits x

Nanmen Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in Taipei that was established during the Japanese Colonial Era. Located just opposite Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, the 4 levels market offers a diverse variety of food and is mostly frequent by locals to purchase their groceries, dried goods and Chinese New Year's goodies.

There are a number of similar stalls that are selling preserved food and snacks. You can get the pork paper which I've mentioned in my previous post from here as well!

Get glimpse of the Taiwanese's daily life here!

金峰魯肉飯  (Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice)

Address
中正紀念堂 (Green / Red Line) Station, Exit 2

Getting There
10, Section 1, Roosevelt Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan

Found my favourite place for Taiwan's national dish, 魯肉飯 (Braised Pork Rice), and that's no other than the famous Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice.



We arrived during lunch hour and there was a long queue outside the shop. But the queue moved pretty quickly as the patrons are required to share tables in the shop and time taken to serve order, less than 10 minutes. If you wouldn't want to wait, takeaway service is available!


The combination of the moist short grained topped with slow cooked braised minced meat and mushrooms is so satisfying and comforting. The ratio of the lean and fatty meat is perfect. And it's best enjoyed with a braised egg. I think I can have this everyday, it's so simple yet delicious.


Apart from the signature Braised Pork Rice which you can't miss ordering, try their double boiled soups! Ordered a Ginseng Chicken Soup and it only cost around SGD2. Double boiled, comes with real ginseng and chicken thigh, wolf berries. And the best thing, I don't feel thirsty after the meal. We all know how annoying it is to feel super thirsty after having a really delicious but MSG loaded soups.



Apart from braised meat rice and double boiled soups, they have plenty of sides to choose from as well as noodles! Guess I will need a trip there again to try out the other food options.


In my opinion, Jin Feng served the best Braised Pork Rice, even better than 鬍鬚張魯肉飯 (Formosa Zhang). It is also much more affordable, and they are generous with the food portion. Totally worth standing in the queue for as long as it takes.

So, don't waste your trip to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall by just visiting the memorial hall!