Don’t forget to visit Chiang Kai-shek

This kernel of wisdom, shared by a fellow tourist to the little island off the coast of mainland China, proved to be true.

A quick trip on Taiwan’s efficient metro system spits you straight out into the heart of Liberty Square, where you get a good look at this building, arguably Taipei’s famous tourist attraction. It doesn’t disappoint.

Even flanked by the impressive National Concert Hall and National Theatre, your eyes are drawn straight to the imposing stark white building at the far end of the square, its deep blue roof reaching into the sky. Nestled in an enormous park, the memorial building seems to beckon you forward, camera in hand, to try and capture the scene.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan is a must-see tourist attraction. Picture: Kate Henry

Dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China, the memorial was opened to the public in 1980, five years after Chiang Kai-shek died. Designed to awe, it does just that as you clamber up the 89 white stairs – representing the former president’s age at the time of his death. At the top of the stairs, you step through the massive doors to finally get a glimpse of the man who inspired all of this.

Smiling benevolently down at the hordes of tourists with flashing cameras and phones, his 16m high bronze statue dominates the hall.

The 16m high bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of the Republic of China, dominates the room at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Picture: Kate Henry

Hang around for the hourly changing of the watchful guards protecting the memorial or head into the belly of the monument to soak up the history of the country and its former president. You can take a gander at the clock that stopped the exact same time Chiang died, peruse the old pictures or even play “find my country” on an old map hanging on the wall. And yes, South Africa is there.

Find out more about visiting Taiwan here.