Print

Mail

wiki links

Chiang Ching-kuo home opens doors to the public

The residence of late president Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) will be open to the public for half a day today as part of activities commemorating the 20th anniversary of his passing.

Councilwoman Li Ken Kuei-fong (厲耿桂芳), a member of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) who played a major role in having the residence designated a historical site by the Taipei City Government, confirmed that the Ministry of National Defense, which owns the property, had agreed to allow the public to visit the residence between 9am and noon today.

She said the interior of the Chihai (七海) residence had been kept in the same condition as when Chiang was alive and that visitors would be able to see what a "simple life" he led.

CHIANG'S STAY

The residence, located near Navy headquarters in suburban Taipei, was used by the Navy to house foreign guests before Chiang moved in at the beginning of his term while he was minister of national defense in 1969.

He lived there while serving as premier and president until his death in 1998.

In June 2006, the Taipei City Government designated the nearly half-century-old Chihai residence as a historical site, with the blessing of Chiang's descendants and the military.

The two-story Western-style building was renovated but has yet to have been opened to the public.

PHOTO EXHIBIT

Meanwhile, the KMT has held an exhibition since Jan. 7 displaying photos and documents related to Chiang's political career at a hall featuring KMT party history, housed in its former headquarters opposite the Presidential Office in Taipei.

Chiang served as premier from 1972 for six years, and was elected president in 1978 by the National Assembly, after his father, dictator Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石), died in 1975.

Chiang Ching-kuo was re-elected in 1984 for a second term, but died on Jan. 13, 1988, at the age of 78.
This story has been viewed 1851 times.