Shilin Official Residence

The Shilin Official Residence is located on the southeast side of the intersection of Section 5, Zhongshan North Road and Fulin Road in Shilin District. It was originally part of the Horticultural Management Office (formerly the Shilin Horticultural Experimental Sub-station). After the Kuomintang government relocated to Taiwan, President Chiang Kai-shek's official residence was established here in 1950. From then on, the Shilin Official Residence became a sacred, mysterious, and inaccessible forbidden area in the eyes of Taipei citizens. After 46 years of strict protection, the tide of democracy led to the Shilin Official Residence being officially opened to the public in 1996, becoming another destination for visitors during holidays. The residence is divided from the outside in, into the Outer Garden, Inner Garden, and Main Residence. The Outer Garden features a greenhouse potted plant area (primarily cultivating orchids), and the adjacent Rose Garden (primarily cultivating roses) is also vibrant with blossoms. The peak blooming season for the Rose Garden, which was Madame Chiang's favorite, is from March to May. Throughout the residence, one can hear birds chirping and smell fragrant flowers, creating a serene and elegant landscape. The Victory Chapel (Kaigetang) was where President Chiang and his wife used to attend services. All descendants of the Chiang family held their weddings and baptisms here. The interior furnishings are actually quite simple, with traditional Chinese armchairs and crystal chandeliers, yet it remains a solemn and sacred place of worship. The Xinlan Pavilion is a traditional Chinese four-cornered pavilion, inscribed with the three characters '新蘭亭' (Xinlan Pavilion) in Yu You-ren's own handwriting. This pavilion was built in 1950 and was the location for President Chiang's annual birthday celebrations, hence it is also known as the 'Shou Pavilion' (Longevity Pavilion). The Ciyun Pavilion is a two-story square pavilion, offering views of Shilin and the Yangmingshan area.