Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

Since Taiwan and China split in 1949 following the Chinese civil war, there hasn’t been too much that they’ve agreed on. Recently however, there has been a lessening of tensions and a closer relationship forming that has been generally hailed as a success globally. With a fifth round of cross-strait talks focusing on trade and economics set to begin in ten days, the hope is that tensions continue to decrease as the two sides sit down at the negotiating table.

One thing they have generally agreed upon over the years however is the status of Dr Sun Yat Sen. Widely respected in both countries, and seen by both sides as a revered figure, he is often referred to as “father of the nation” in Taiwan and “forerunner of the revolution” in China. This week in 5, we’re going to take a look at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, located in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei.

Before we do that however, a couple of quick announcements. This Sunday, December 13th, I’ll be hosting a fifth Photowalk. The venue this time is Fuyang Ecological Park, which is close to Linguang MRT station. We’ll meet at the MRT station around 2:45pm or at the park entrance at 3pm. There’s a Facebook event for it with more information. Fuyang Eco Park is great for nature photography, with plenty of tree frogs, plants, butterflies, bugs and birds.

For anyone looking for a great 2010 calendar, my Renegade Beauty | Taiwan 2010 is still available for only $24.99. Get in quick. Also, for a chance to win the calendar, and a copy of Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, take a look at the contest I’m running entitled Turning Tides of Creativity. I’ll be announcing the winner next week, so don’t miss out.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is situated in Taipei, Taiwan. Completed in May 1972, it is a multi-purpose social, cultural and education center for the Taiwanese public. Inside the hall can be found a world-class performance hall, a 1,000 square meter exhibition hall, multimedia theater, audio-visual facilities, a 300 000 volume library, lecture halls and every hour there is a formal changing of the guards ceremony at the main entrance to the building.

Ceremonial guard inside Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

The grounds of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall are a popular socializing location for both tourists and local people. Special holiday markets can often be found, and every year the grounds are an important site during the annual lantern festival. The lake in one corner is a favored spot for watching the fish, resting in the shade and generally relaxing. The large, open grass areas, surrounded by trees and well cared for flowers make a popular picnic spot for young couples, and the skies above are sometimes filled with colorful kites.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

Sun Yat Sen himself was born in Guangdong province in 1866 and died of cancer in a Beijing hospital in 1925. His life was marked by frequent periods of exile, and he was a key figure in the overthrow of the last imperial dynasty of China, the Qing Dynasty, in 1911. He is unique among 20th century Chinese leaders in that he is respected on both sides of the strait. In both Taiwan and mainland China, parks and roads are named after him, and his likeness is seen on currency and in schools and ceremonial locations.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

Well, that brings us to the end of another week of 5. Comments are always welcome, and as always, your sharing this post with friends and social media networks is greatly appreciated. Thank you.