CKS Shilin Residence Park

Because of this position, from 1950 it served as the residence where the late President Chiang Kai-shek lived. Because the residence was here, rebuilding and new construction nearby were strictly prohibited, so the grounds have kept their original natural landscape. In 1996 the residence grounds were opened to the public for the first time, for viewing the gardens and for leisure. The rose garden was Madame Chiang's favourite garden. The Western-style garden is where couples most often take wedding photos, and the Chinese-style garden has an arched bridge, a winding pond and flowing water in the manner of a traditional Chinese garden. The main areas are the open-air music stage, the rose garden, the theme garden, the inner garden, the main residence, the outing area, the Western-style garden, the Chinese-style garden, Kaige Hall, Xinlan Pavilion, the horticultural exhibition hall and Ciyun Pavilion. In March nearly 100 varieties and about 2,000 rose plants bloom in the rose garden. The theme garden and the outing area are the main display areas for the annual chrysanthemum and tulip shows, the Western and Chinese gardens have beds of seasonal flowers, and Xinlan Pavilion and the horticultural exhibition hall hold occasional flower and plant displays through the seasons. Kaige Hall is where the Chiang family worshipped and were baptised. Xinlan Pavilion, built in 1950 and also called Shou Pavilion, is a square Chinese-style building where Chiang Kai-shek's birthday was celebrated each year; flower exhibitions are also held there. Ciyun Pavilion, a two-storey square pavilion on Fushan, was built by the late president in memory of his mother. Flower shows are held at the beginning and end of each year, including tulip, rose, moth orchid and chrysanthemum shows. The best known are the chrysanthemum and tulip shows, which combine flowers with the garden landscaping. The chrysanthemum show, in November and December, uses large trained chrysanthemums, sculpted chrysanthemums, small chrysanthemums and other daisy-family flowers, with displays and landscaping on a different theme each year. The tulip show, in February after the Lunar New Year, displays more than 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands and Japan, with installation art in foreign styles.

Translated and shortened by DealTaipei from Taiwan's national tourism database. Sources are on the terms page.