Martyr's Shrine

Commemorating Taiwan's heroes
Word to the wise: A 15-minute changing of the guard ceremony is held every hour starting from 9am to 4.45pm. Don't forget to take your hat off.

Talk of the town: Once a year the President leads the heads of the five Yuans (branches of government) to pay their respects to the dead with an offering of incense.
This architecturally impressive shrine stands majestic, looking out over the Keelung River against a backdrop of mountains. Erected in 1969 - based on the Taihe Dian Imperial Palace in Beijing - it commemorates the country's lost soldiers.

Inside the structure you'll find the spirit tablets of the 390,000 men who died fighting in the 1911 revolution that ended imperial rule in China, as well as for martyrs of many other battles. There are also many plaques and friezes in the arcade covering the 20th century history.

The main gate is guarded by soldiers who must remain still for an hour at a time, often in blistering heat with someone on hand to wipe the sweat from their brows. As one of the most important places of remembrance in the Republic of China, being posted here is a great honour. It is a solemn space, particularly on national holidays, when locals gather to place flowers and pay their respects.