The Martyr's Shrine and Sun Yatsen Memorial

The Martyrs' Shrine is the Arlington National Cemetery of Taiwan. It holds the ashes of thousands of soldiers who have died in various wars throughout Taiwan's history and serves as a memorial to all those who have died defending their homeland. It is a very peaceful and beautiful place, nestled in the surrounding green hills. The halls are traditional Chinese buildings painted with bright reds, greens, and blues. The changing of the guard ceremony is a treat for the eyes and ears, consisting of twelve or so soldiers marching in unison with tiny cymbals attached to the heels of their boots. The rhythmic clanging of the cymbals adds a mystical effect as the soldiers march across the broad square from the main gate to the main hall. At the steps to the main hall, the guards execute a routine of heel clicking, rifle tossing, and bayonet twirling, executed so perfectly, that that if you close your eyes, it sounds like only one person performing.

01Martyr's Shrine

The Dr. Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall is another beautiful and peaceful place to hang out in Taipei. I am lucky in that it is only one block from my office, so I can go there to relax in between classes. The building is striking, as are the intricate gardens that surround it. There is even a tiny, man-made lake towards the front of the grounds where people can stroll, feed mutant carp, and practice tai chi. More importantly, however, the lake brings the building into line with the principle of "feng shui," (literally, wind water) which state that if a man-made structure is to be in proper physical harmony with the universe, its entrance should face water and its rear should face mountains. I don't know about "feng shui," but I do know that when I relax on the grounds of Dr. Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall, I somehow feel more harmonious with the universe than at other times, like when I'm, say, working. Regardless, Dr. Sun Yatsen, having inspired the revolution against China's hated Qing Dynasty, is a national hero in both Taiwan and mainland China. He is considered to be the founding father of the Republic of China and that's why he gets his own memorial hall and scenic park in the heart of Taipei.

02Martyr's Shrine

03Changing of the Guard at the Martyr's Shrine

04Martyr's Shrine Courtyard

05Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall

06Sun Yatsen Gardens and Statue

07Sun Yatsen Lake and Pagoda

08Lowering of the Flag at Sun Yatsen

09Lowering of the Flag at Sun Yatsen