Visit the current burial place of one of China’s most controversial leaders and learn about his time as the island's head of state.
Cihu and Cihu Mausoleum is where the 20th-century Chinese political and military leader Chiang Kai-shek is interred. The vast complex encompasses a large lake and a park filled with more than 100 statues of the statesman. Tour the grounds and visit Chiang Kai-shek's black marble sarcophagus.
Chiang Kai-shek was the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party for nearly five decades. When the communists took over in 1949 he fled to Taiwan and led a government in exile until his death in 1975. The mausoleum is referred to as his temporary resting place, because the president wished to be buried in his native China.
Start your visit in the Information Centre and study photographs of the historic figure. Stroll around the Memorial Statues Park and stop by the many statues of Chiang Kai-shek. They include busts and full-size figures and feature him in a number of poses. Look for an enormous bronze sculpture of a seated Chiang. This is the largest statue in the park and once belonged to the Kaohsiung Cultural Centre. Go over to the lake, where you may see a number of black and white swans.
Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every hour in front of the mausoleum. Then enter the hall that contains Chiang’s tomb where approximately 1 million visitors come to pay their respects every year. The villa you are standing in was often used by the late president and his family. Go to the patio and veranda and examine the painted patterns which symbolise good luck and longevity.
Before your tour of the mausoleum, apply online to visit Back Cihu, an area found behind the Cihu complex. The site once served as the command centre from where Chiang made plans to retake China. For details, go to the website of the Taoyuan County Government.
Cihu and Cihu Mausoleum is open daily from early morning until late afternoon. You can arrive by bus from Taoyuan City or come by car. There is a parking lot on-site.
