Taiwan Taxus Chinesis: Taoyuan City Longtan District Cihu Mausoleum

Taoyuan City Longtan District Cihu Mausoleum

◎ Attractions：

Cihu Presidential Burial Place
Cihu was known in earlier times as Biwei, and today it also has the nickname of Dongkou or "Tunnel Mouth," due to its location at the exit of the Baiji Tunnel. Cihu also reminded Chiang Kai-shek of his hometown in mainland China. The Cihu Villa was built here in 1959 for Chiang's use, and in 1962 the former ROC president had this area renamed as Cihu, or "Loving Mother Lake," in memory of his mother Wang Tsai-yu.

After Chiang's death in 1975, Cihu Villa was renamed as the Cihu Presidential Burial Place. The brick mausoleum faces south to the water is built in the style of a southern Fujianese four-sided compound, with a tile roof and circular entryways on the left and right side of the front leading to the ancillary courtyards. There is even an air-raid shelter in the hillside behind the building.

Apart from the mausoleum, the biggest visitor attraction here is the changing of the honor guard ceremony. On weekends and holidays the cameras are flashing almost non-stop as for this popular ceremony.

Cihu Mausoleum is known as the final resting place of the late President Chiang Kai-Shek, as well as a place for anyone who would like to pay tribute to this significant person in history. Because the picturesque lake view and hanging willows reminded President Chiang of his hometown, Fenghua County of Zhejiang Province in China, and his benevolent mother, he renamed this place as Cihu (benevolent lake) and built a residence in the Min-nan- and Zhejiang-style architecture, which was converted into his mausoleum after his death in 1975.

Cihu is divided into the front and back lakes; they are connected by a stream. Surrounded by lush mountains, Cihu offers beautiful natural scenery all year round

Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park was founded in 1997 and the Park displays more than 100 statues of President Chiang that have been donated by schools or institutions throughout Taiwan, from bust, full-size, sitting to equestrian ones, each one indirectly illustrates Taiwan’s political history.

Besides paying tribute to the late President, the guard-changing ceremony is definitely a must-see! The guards of honor are composed of representatives of the Armed Forces, namely the army, navy and air force. Every hour, the honor guards change their shift and perform the bayonet drill exercise, making the ceremony the most popular show that attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world.

The Cihu Tourist Service Center
The Cihu Visitor Center is located in a single-story brick building on the side of the parking lot. The displays inside include numerous photographs of Chiang Kai-shek, as well as original and reproduction calligraphy works by the former president. The visitor center store sells a wide selection of souvenir items featuring President and Madame Chiang. Soft figurines of the presidential couple as well as Madame Chiang's beloved honey plum cake are among the most popular items at the store.

The tourist service center beside the Cihu Parking Lot is a must-visit tourist spot for tourists who visit Cihu to pay respects to the remains of the two former Taiwan’s presidents Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo. It is an ancient-style Taiwanese architecture. In the tourist service center there are numerous cultural relics dating back to the times of Chiang Kai-shek and of Chiang Ching-kuo. The center also shows historical documentary films. There are various souvenir products related to Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Chingkuo for tourists’ purchase and remembrance purposes. The center also offers attentive volunteer services as well as information services for touring the Northern Cross- Taiwan Highway.

Daxi Cihu Trails
With the passage of time, Cihu Mausoleum has become the “Chiang-Chiang Cultural Park” and is now open to the public. If you visit Cihu of Daxi, you should definitely try out the three trails along Caoling River to get a closer look at the mountain and river. The three trails are called “Touliao Eco Trail”, “Cihu Trail”, and “Swan Lake Trail”. Touliao Eco Trail meanders from the Cihu Mausoleum along Caoling River, showcasing the rustic scenery of the farm fields. Walk along Cihu Trail and you will see beautiful swans in the lake, one of the other not-to-be-missed attractions is also the changing of the guard.

“ Touliao Eco Trail” entrance is located next to the Cihu Mausoleum and has a length of around 1.2 Km. As it is right next to Caoling River, you will also be able to enjoy the pretty sight of the river, sometimes with a white egret gliding by elegantly. There are also habitat information boards giving simple information about the Caoling River habitats. The calming sound of the flowing river, the flat expanse of the path, and the coolness of the location even in summer makes it an ideal destination for parents and children. In addition, don’t forget to take a look at the only volcano in Taoyuan which is also the only shield volcano in Taiwan - Caoling Mountain. Although the volcano is no longer active, scenery of the verdant forest can still be admired. In winter when the fields lie fallow, you will also be able to enjoy the stunning sight of the brilliant cosmos flowers in full bloom.

A single trip along Touliao Trail takes about 20 minutes. From here, you will arrive at the “Cihu Trail” starting at the Cihu visitor center. You can first go to the visitor center for information brochures on Cihu and nearby tourist attractions. Inside the center are exhibitions on artifacts and objects from the times of the two Chiang presidents as well as documentary films, which are also well-worth a visit. The entrance to Cihu Trail is located next to the visitor center. This shady path is protected from the sun, making it feel as if you are in a green tunnel. Walk along the picturesque Cihu Lake and you will arrive at the end point of the trail, Cihu Mausoleum, which is next to the mountain and faces the water. Apart from being the resting place of Chiang Kai-shek, military police are also stationed here and the hourly changing of the guard ceremony including an ornate gun ritual attracts many visitors.

After your visit to the mausoleum, if you would like to find a tranquil spot to admire the lake, look no further than the Swan Lake Trail. The pebbled path circles the lake, allowing you to enjoy the rippling water and gander at the black and white swans swimming leisurely on the lake. There is also a lakeside scenic platform where you can take a rest and simply relax. Taking a stroll along the lake helps you to soak up the atmosphere of serenity and relaxation.

Houci Lake
Shaped like a crescent moon, Houci Lake is fed by small streams on Baishi Mountain (Baishishan). Originally known as Longguomaipi, it currently serves as an irrigation pool of the Taoyuan Irrigation Association, with a water area of 41,076 hectares, and water volume of 177,500cubic meters or enough to irrigate an area of 117,29 hectares, mainly in the Da River (Daxi) and Sanceng areas.

In the 1950s, Chiang Kai-shek discovered Cihu when his car was forced to stop at the mouth of the Baiji Tunnel and he had to make a detour by sedan chair. The scenery reminded him of his hometown of Xikou Township in Fenghua County, Zhejiang Province. In 1955, The Banqiao family headed by Lin Pen-yuan provided 19 hectares of land in Cihu for the construction of a villa. The "Dongkou Villa," as it was then known, was completed on June 13, 1959, and renamed as the "Cihu Villa" in October 1962.

As part of an evacuation plan for the Office of the President in 1962, Chiang Kai-shek instructed the government to purchase land in Cihu for the construction of an air-raid shelter and wartime command center. Quarters were also constructed here for the secretary-general, chief aid-de-camp, and deputy secretary-general to the president. After Chiang's death on April 5, 1975, this site was renamed as the Cihu Presidential Burial Place. The Cihu Presidential Burial Place Administration was also built here to handle reception and management affairs. The five office buildings at Houci Lake were also transferred to the administration, which came under the management of the Taoyuan City government in November 2007 after the Houci Lake area lost its restricted military status. Since then, the county government has been renovating facilities on the site and making other arrangements for opening the area to the public.

As a restricted area, Houci Lake was long protected from outside interference. This isolation has helped to keep the forest and natural ecology in their pristine state, making this an ideal escape for public recreation.

After the military ban was lifted, the mysterious Back Cihu finally unveiled its unspoiled beauty; it is now open to the public. Back Cihu is a small lake along which President Chiang Kai-Shek would stroll or row a boat with the late first lady Chiang. After entering Back Cihu Park from the side gate of Front Cihu Park, tourists will start a 2-kilometer walk over a small hill. In addition to the fascinating scenery along the trail, the commander’s office, bunkers, checkpoint gates, and offices left from the Era of Martial Law are definitely worth visiting.

Since 2009, Back Cihu has been open to the public by the Taoyuan City Government, and 5 official residences have been retained to reconstruct the history of Back Cihu and President Chiang’s family life, as well as their living space.

The Park contains a wide variety of fauna and flora, including giant woods spiders, birds and frogs. Strolling along the forest trails shaded by Taiwan incense cedars, tourists can appreciate not only the reflection of the scenery in the lake, but also a presidential leisure activity in Back Cihu.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Sculpture Park in Cihu
The Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park is situated near the Cihu Parking Lot. In the park there are some 100 bronze statues of Chiang Kai-shek’s donated by various localities of Taiwan. This also lets tourists from around the world remember the past glorious feats of Chiang Kai-shek. Among the statues are familiar-looking standing and half-bust bronze statues, which were donated mostly by schools and government organizations. There are also statues of CKS seated and horse-riding. Every statue has its own artistic value. Interconnected foot trails lead to various statues in the park. There are also elegant Chinese garden-style gardens with bridges and water below them.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Sculpture Park is the only memorial park in the world dedicated to statues of a single person. The park was opened in Cihu by the Da River (Daxi) Township Government in 1997. On February 29, 2000, a ceremony was held for the installment of the park's first bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek (donated by Kaohsiung County). The park was closed for renovation by the Taoyuan City and Da River (Daxi)Township governments and reopened to the public on April 5, 2008.

A total 152 statues of the former president, including both full statues and busts and even equestrian works, can be found at the park today, each with its unique artistic value. Most were donated by schools and government agencies, including the biggest one, which was donated by Kaohsiung City. The sculptures are linked by a network of paths throughout the park. A landscaped courtyard, small bridge and running stream further add to the park's elegant charm.

◎ Traffic：
● Public transportation information：
Take the TRA to Taoyuan or Zhongli Station, continue by Taoyuan Bus (bound for Da River (Daxi)) to Da River (Daxi). Then take the Taoyuan Bus (Bound for Fuxing, Xiaowulai, Baling, Amuping) to Cihu stop.

● Car traffic information：
Nat'l Hwy 3 → Exit at the Da River (Daxi)Interchange → County Hwy 122A → Prov. Hwy 3 → Prov. Hwy 7

◎ Google Map Navigation：Google Map input「Cihu Mausoleum」、「Cihu Presidential Burial Place」、「Cihu Visitor Center」、「Daxi Cihu Trails」、「慈湖陵寢」、「慈湖遊客服務中心」、「後慈湖」、「慈湖紀念雕塑公園」

◎ Opening Hours：08:00~17:00

◎ Admission：Free

◎ Public Utilities：
● Parking Lot：Existence（Paid & Free）
● Public Toilet：Existence
● Trash Can：Existence
● Convenience Store：Existence

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