Taipei｜Walking Guide: Historical Route｜Longshan Temple. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Ximen Red House

1 Day

• 10:00

  Meet at Exit 1 of Longshan Temple MRT Station. The tour guide will hold a green and white paper fan with "Like It Formosa" written on it.
• 【Longshan Temple】Longshan Temple is located in the center of Taipei’s West District and is the religious center of the local community. The temple was first built in the 18th century by Chinese immigrants who came to Taipei, who later established a trading and commercial settlement in Menga District. In the following years, Longshan Temple experienced many earthquakes, typhoons and war air raids, but it always stood firm due to repairs, the enthusiasm of believers and the blessing of the gods. Today, Lungshan Temple has become one of the most representative buildings in Taipei's history and a popular tourist and worship attraction for foreign tourists and believers.
  

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• [Bopiliao Historic District] The area around Bopiliao Historical District was once the commercial center of Taipei, where Chinese immigrants traded with aboriginal peoples. During its most prosperous period, the streets were lined with inns, shops and public baths to serve traders and local residents. Here, you can see the most complete Qing Dynasty architecture in Taipei and experience the cultural landscape spanning the Qing Dynasty, Japanese rule, and the Republic of China.
  

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• [Ximen Red House] Ximen Red House was originally built as a public market, and its architectural style has strong characteristics of the Japanese colonial period. After World War II, with the end of Japanese rule, the building was converted into a theater, and later gradually became a gathering place for Taipei's hidden LGBTQ community. In recent years, as Taiwanese society has become more diverse and inclusive, the Ximen Red House has become one of Taiwan’s vibrant social movement venues and is loved by all walks of life.
  

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• [Break] During the break, travelers can explore the vibrant street scene around Ximending on their own. We will also provide a recommended list of food, drinks and shopping. But don’t forget to come back so we can continue our walking tour
• [Presidential Palace] [Presidential Palace] A few steps from the lively Ximending, you can reach Taiwan’s political center - the Presidential Palace. Completed in 1919, the building was originally designed to house the Governor-General's Palace in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation. After surviving bombings and regime changes during World War II, the building was restored as the presidential palace in 1950. On the outside, the elegant Western architectural style and the use of red bricks make it a favorite landmark for tourists; the wide Ketagalan Avenue in front often becomes a venue for people to express their opinions and protest, and you may even witness some social movements with your own eyes.
  

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• [228 Peace Memorial Park] was formerly the "Taipei New Park" established in 1908 during the Japanese colonial period. It was the first European-style park in Taiwan. In 1947, the park became the site of protests against the Kuomintang government, an action that set in motion a series of events now known as the February 28th Incident, leading to severe crackdowns by the Nationalist government. In order to commemorate and acknowledge the government's past mistakes, the park was eventually renamed "228 Peace Memorial Park"
  

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• [Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall] The National Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. The construction of the memorial hall started after Chiang Zhongzheng’s death and was completed five years later. The architectural design is themed in the Chinese imperial style and showcases Chiang Kai-shek's life as a political figure. The tour guide will also tell tourists how the Taiwanese people re-examined Chiang Kai-shek's historical status after the lifting of martial law.
  

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• 13:00

  Return on your own