Excursion Introduction to taipei tour at Keelung

This half-day tour provides an overview of some of Taipei's major attractions. There is great pride in what has been developed in Taiwan's capital in only 50 years - the result being truly remarkable.

Departing from Keelung port, travel on the freeway to bustling Taipei. Heading toward the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, also known as C.K.S. Memorial Hall, your drive takes you into the heart of the city and your first stop.

C.K.S. Memorial Hall

The majestic marble monument was built in honour of 'Generalissimo' Chiang Kai-Shek and to house the gigantic bronze statue of Taiwan's first president. The gleaming white building features an octagonal roof covered with blue glazed tiles and an 89-step staircase on two sides to the upper level. The enormous ground floor hall contains a museum with exhibits about Chiang's life, plus various tourist facilities and an elevator to the upper level.

Presidential Square

Following your visit, continue with your sightseeing drive, making a brief photo at the Presidential Square. Looming over the square is the impressive Office of the President, once the headquarters of the Japanese colonial administration in Taiwan. Partially destroyed by Allied bombs, the Nationalist government repaired the damages after the Japanese surrender. In 1998, the building was declared a historic national monument.

Martyrs' Shrine

Proceed with your drive, heading toward the grand and magnificent memorial known as Martyr's Shrine. Built in 1969 to honour the fallen heroes of China's wars, the monument is an excellent example of classical Ming dynasty architecture. Standing within an enormous park, the Martyr's Shrine enjoys a serene setting against a backdrop of the Chingshan Mountain. Take a walk through the extensive grounds and, if in luck, you may be able to observe the Changing of the Guard (subject to timing and weather).

Re-join your coach and conclude your Taipei overview with the drive back to Keelung port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: C.K.S. Memorial Hall, Chiang Kai-Shek Statue, Presidential Square, Office of the President, Martyr's Shrine, Chingshan Mountain, Changing of the Guard

Note

Please note: To visit all of the sites, an extensive amount of walking is required from the mandatory coach drop-off location. At the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, an elevator is available to the upper level. The tour sequence may vary. The drive to Taipei takes approximately 45 minutes in each direction. Space on this tour is limited.