Martyrs Shrine

The Martyrs Shrine, resting on the slopes of Chingshan Mountain and overseeing Keelung River, is located right next to the Grand Hotel. It was built in 1969 and covers a large area.

The shrine's grand and magnificent architectural style is similar to that of the Taihe Dian Imperial Palace in Beijing. It symbolizes the martyrs' brave spirit. More than 33,000 square meters of grass fields surround the structure. Protected by the neighboring mountains, the shrine breathes a serene atmosphere that emphasizes its solemn and stately character.

The Martyrs Shrine is dedicated to approximately 330,000 men who sacrificed their lives to the overthrowing of the Ching Dynasty before the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911, and who fell during the Sino-Japanese war (1938-1945) and the Chinese Civil war (1945-1949). Plates of these brave and loyal martyrs have been inserted into the four walls of the main building in testimony of their heroic deeds. Each spring and autumn, the president of Taiwan leads both civil and military officials to pay floral tribute. In October, leaders from Taiwan's befriended countries, as well as numerous groups of overseas Chinese, also come and pay their respect.

Worth mentioning are the military police officers who guard the main gate, and who have been rigidly trained to stand like expressionless statues and to remain unmoved by the teasing of crowds. Visitors alike are amazed at this display of composure and flock to see the ceremonial changing of the guards. The guard-changing ceremony begins at 9am and is to be held at each hour. But the last one is at 4:40pm.

The Martyrs Shrine is located in Taipei City's Chungshan District. It opens from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. It opens for half days on March 29th (Youth Day) and September 3rd (Armed Forces Day). It is closed on March 28th and September 2nd.