Yangming Bookstore: Traces of History, Elegance of Nature


Yangming Bookstore, located in Taipei, Taiwan, is a renowned landmark and historical site. Situated on Yangmingshan, it boasts spectacular scenery and is often referred to as the "Last Presidential Retreat of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek." Today, it stands as a significant attraction and historical relic within Yangmingshan National Park.

Formerly known as the "Chung Hsing Guesthouse," Yangming Bookstore served as President Chiang Kai-shek's official residence and was also a place where he and Madame Chiang Soong Mei-ling spent their daily lives. President Chiang hosted numerous foreign dignitaries and key figures in Taiwanese politics and economy at this location, using it as a retreat during the summer months. The name "Yangming" is derived from the admiration President Chiang held for the Ming dynasty Confucian scholar Wang Yangming.

Originally owned by the prominent Japanese-era mining tycoon Yosaburō Takehara, Yangming Bookstore's property was later purchased by Lee Chien-ho, who presented it as a private garden named "Feather Garden" to President Chiang Kai-shek. Pleased with the location, Chiang converted it into the Chung Hsing Guesthouse, later renamed Yangming Bookstore. In 1979, the Kuomintang (KMT) Central Committee's Party History Committee moved to Yangming Bookstore, which was subsequently renamed and entrusted to the management of Yangmingshan National Park Administration in 1997. In 1998, Yangming Bookstore opened its doors to the public for visitation. Source: Wikipedia



I would recommend interested visitors to make advance reservations for guided tours when planning to visit Yangming Bookstore. Without a reservation, access may be limited to the free areas designated by the Visitor Service Center, where the scope of what can be seen is significantly restricted. According to my mother, who has visited before, the difference in content between guided tours and self-guided exploration is substantial.

Otherwise, this location tends to be relatively secluded, with minimal tourist traffic during regular times. It is considered a more enclosed and exclusive attraction. To make the most of your visit and fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Yangming Bookstore, securing a guided tour in advance is highly recommended.











It's unfortunate to hear that the free areas only offer basic features such as photos and brief introductions, and the presentation might seem modest. Sometimes, limited resources or specific preservation considerations can impact the presentation of historical sites. However, your feedback is valuable, and it's understandable to desire a more enriching experience.

If you have the opportunity to provide feedback directly to the management or through any visitor feedback channels, sharing your thoughts about the desire for a more comprehensive and engaging presentation could contribute to potential improvements. This way, your input may help enhance the overall visitor experience at Yangming Bookstore for future guests.

張貼留言

0 留言