Department of Cultural Affairs

Official Residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, Shilin

When ROC President Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling came to Taiwan in 1949, they lived temporarily at the Grass Mountain Guest House until a new presidential residence was completed in Shilin in 1950. Generalissimo Chiang lived in this mansion for 26 years before passing away, and thus it is the dwelling most closely associated with him and his wife. The estate on which it is located was previously an experimental botanical garden during the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945). Here, President Chiang hosted many leading political figures and foreign dignitaries. Kaige Chapel, built in 1949, was used for church services. Besides Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang, many heads of state, high-ranking military officials and overseas guests often gathered here on Sundays. Ciyun Pavilion was built in 1963 as a memorial to the president’s mother. The main hall of the residence was a two-story cement building with dark green exterior walls. A portion of the roof was made of ceramic tiles. The ground floor featured a large reception hall, while the second floor contained the bedroom and living quarters of the first couple. Although the building is of Western design, the interior maintains a traditional Chinese flavor.