Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei

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The best time to visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is at 6:00 in the morning, when the people of Taipei are out excersizing. You'll see many different people, some doing yuanjiwu in groups of 30 or 40, others doing tai chi chuan alone. Just south of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall but still on the grounds of the memorial is a small lake where, in the early morning, you'll find reflections in the pond and plenty of locals. Early morning is also a good time to photo Taipei 101. At 6:30, be sure to catch the flag raising. It is quite a memorable experience.

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Each morning, five soldiers will march promptly out of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall at 6:20. Two of them carry weapons, and one will carry the flag of the Republic of China - Qingtianbairemandihong (Blue sky, white sun, and a land of red- an approxiamate translation). From the memorial hall, they march for ten minutes around the Relfecting Pool before reaching the flagpole, where, at 6:30, the flag will be raised. Although many people may think it not quite as interesting as the changing of the guard, this is VERY worth seeing. On their slow march back, there is a photo opportunity to get the soldiers and Taipei 101 in one shot.

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The place I stayed in Taipei was only a three-minute walk from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Guofu Jinianguang) (國父紀念館), so this happened to be the place I visited the most times while I was in Taipei. Coming at different times of day, you'll find this memorial hall to be a very different place. Granted, this memorial hall isn't quite as grand or as architecturally beautiful as the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, but you'll also find less tourists and more locals here.

The memorial hall honors Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhong shan), the leader of the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Chinese Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China. Unlike the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, though, a good number of the exhibits inside the Sun Yat-sen memorial hall are only in Chinese. However, it also has a giant bronze statue, this one of Sun Yat-sen. Upon entering the hall, there are two exhibit areas; the one to your left concerns Taiwan (The Republic of China) in general, while the one to your right is about Sun Yat-sen's ideals and his life. Both are heavily loaded with propaganda, though. There is also an upper level to the memorial (often missed) where you can get a good view of the statue from above, as well as view various murals concerning the founding of the Republic.

Hall was build to honor Father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's great character, revolutionary career, and phylosophical blueprint for a modern China.

The historical artifacts and fine art are frequently displayed. Visitors can also enjoy the surrounding park.

It is the memorial hall for Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Republic of China's Father of the Nation. Dr. Sun Yat-sen played a major role in the revolution of China in early 20 century and was the first president of Republic of China. Unlike Chiang Kai-shek, another long time president of Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen is still highly respected by Taiwanese people today.

Pay your respects to Mr Sun Yat Sen at this memorial hall. There are several statues of this national hero here.

There's also some art gallery and an exhibition of Madam Song Qing Ling, the wife of ex-president Chiang Kai Shek.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is dedicated to the nations founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen and was designed by the famous architect Wang Da-wei. The Museum contains a picture gallery and exhibition of Dr. Sun's life and much of Taiwan’s history. There are regular exhibitions and events being held here.

Apart from the large bronze statue of the man himself - the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is an interesting place as it contains pics and pieces of history of the man that co-founded the country.

Do note that there is a changing of guards every start of the hour - not to be missed.