This passage describes a personal experience of traveling to Taiwan for the first time. The author mentions hearing positive recommendations about the country and having a friend working in Taipei. They then describe booking a flight with a layover, arriving at Taoyuan Airport at 5:00 AM. They explain how to reach the city center by following the "Bus in The City" signs and taking a bus from the airport's lower level. The destination is Taipei Main Station, accessible by cash or EasyCard, which can be purchased from nearby vending machines. The author highlights the convenience of EasyCard for public transportation and purchases in convenience stores throughout Taiwan.

The car stopped at the back of Taipei Main Station, which is close to our accommodation, Mr. Lobster Secret Den design hostel (click to see the full review). We left our belongings at the hotel before continuing our journey. Our first destination was Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, which is considered a landmark of Taipei.

To reach the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, take the red MRT line from Taipei Main Station to Exhibition Center Station (R08). Exit through Exit 5, and the Memorial Hall will be directly in front of you.

Entrance to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The main entrance to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall commemorates the legacy of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of Taiwan and a prominent military and political leader of China under the Kuomintang (KMT) from 1928 to 1949. The KMT ultimately lost the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China under Mao Zedong.

Front Yard

Chinese Architecture

Here is the translation of the provided text:

Following their defeat in the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-shek and his supporters fled to Taiwan, where they established a government and oversaw a period of significant economic development over the next 25 years.

Hall of Honor

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was constructed on October 31, 1976, coinciding with Chiang's 90th birthday. It was officially opened on April 5, 1980, marking the fifth anniversary of his passing.

Path to the Honor Tower

A 6.3-meter-tall bronze statue of Mr. Jiang

The Memorial Hall, also known as the Hall of Fame, is a Chinese-style building with 89 steps, symbolizing Jiang's age. In the center stands a 6.3-meter-tall bronze statue of Jiang, flanked by two guards at all times. Behind the statue is a wall inscribed with the three core values of the people: ethics, democracy, and science.

Military Guard

Hourly shift changes.

Inside the exhibition hall

A historical photograph depicting Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his close associate, Chiang Kai-shek, riding a train.

Exhibition on the Life of Mr. Jiang

Exhibition and Display Hall

Sketch of Chiang Kai-shek

Official vehicle

Foreign Orders and Decorations

Family photos, weddings, and work

A replica of Chiang Kai-shek and his office

Room about the history of Taiwan

White walls, blue roof: a symbol of freedom and equality.