The Democracy Memorial (ex Chiang Kai-Shek memorial).

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The Democracy Memorial (ex Chiang Kai-Shek memorial).

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The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial A place of pilgrimage for many Taiwanese who come to pay homage to the man who led the nationalist island for nearly 30 years. © C. Rodrigues

See more pictures: The Democracy Memorial (ex Chiang Kai-Shek memorial).

A place of pilgrimage for a good number of Taiwanese who come to pay tribute to the leader of the nationalist island for over 30 years, the memorial was opened to the public on 5 April 1980, five years following the death of the president. This gigantic octogonal building of white marble capped by blue ceramic roofs, 220 feet high, overlooks a very charming 62 acre garden. In the lobby, you can see the 25-tonne bronze statue of Chiang Kai-Shek. The soldiers of the national guard change every hour... The 89 steps leading to the summit are reminiscent of his age at the time of his death. Due to the loss of prestige of the former strong-man of Taiwan, the Chiang Kai-Shek memorial has been renamed the Democracy Memorial. Inside this majestic building, flanked by the national concert hall of the National Theatre, you can admire an exhibition showing the great man's possessions, including a superb Cadillac. You will equally find his office where you will find a very life-like wax Chiang Kai-Shek.