A Visit to the Grounds of Chiang Kai-shek's Shihlin Residence

Many of you will remember passing the Chiang residence, some on a daily basis. You couldn't see much in my day, but we all were aware who's home it was.

Now that the area has been opened to the public, I decided to visit to see what was behind those walls.

My afternoon visit turned-out to be a pleasant surprise and heartening experience.

A sign announces the park.

No question, the main gate guard station was prepared for any contingency. The windows have three-quarter inch metal covers. Guards are no longer stationed on the grounds or at the gate during visiting hours.

Beautiful grounds.

Madam Chiang's favorite flower was the rose. This rose garden area covers close to an acre.

The drive leading to the residence.

Gated and fenced, the home is still off-limits to all.

The Chiang's western style home, said to have been build in 1950, sits in lush surroundings, close to the forested hills to it's back.

Flowers and beauty to feast on in every direction.

A large team of gardeners maintain the grounds. Spring flowers were being transplanted.

I left refreshed and happy late in the afternoon. I did not find any hint of waste by the Chiang's. Chiang Kai-shek was the President of the country and this was his home.

I found this article from the Taipei Times Newspaper which provides more detail on the home and the Chiang's. Please take a few minutes to read the article, it brings so much information to light about the Chiang's.... You will enjoy the read.

After my visit, I stopped in a small restaurant for pork dumplings and a bowl of hot and sour soup. A great meal to wrap-up and great afternoon.