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Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taiwan
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is dedicated to whom? Thats like asking, who is buried in Grants Tomb?, a famous trick-question. Its dedicated, of course, to the first president of the Republic of China, Mr. Chiang (October 31, 1887CApril 5, 1975). Constructed in 1987, the site occupies more than 250,000 sq. meters. Its a memorial unlike any youve ever seenbecause of the varied activities that go on there, its more of an environment dedicated to life, fun, flags, weddings, celebrations and much more. Its actually a huge walled park, also. Its the most visited site in Taiwan by foreign tourists. Take our video tour first and youll know what to expect when you get there in person. Wait until you see the Lantern Festival!
Enjoy Taiwan
2007-11-01
Religion is an important part of the lives of most Taiwanese, with Buddhism being the one most practiced. There are over 4,000 Buddhist temples, around 10,000 clergy and more than 5 million people who said they were Buddhists in a survey made by the Taiwan Department of the Interior. So let’s take a tour of the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. It’s beautiful, unusual, and as large as a college campus. Just looking around may make you feel more serene. It’s bit of heaven… on earth.
2009-07-27
In this episode we go to the very “root” of Taiwan. Well, at least to the feet of the people. The foot is given a lot of attention in Taiwan. You will appreciate this if you have ever had “foot problems”. The Chinese believe that “man ages from his feet”, so it’s really important to take care of them… and you only get two to last a lifetime! Come walk along with Chris Downs as we explore all the ways the Taiwanese take care of their soles, uh, feet. How about a nice foot rub? They’ve got it down to a science. No, really.
2009-07-27
The “beauty industry” and beauty-related enterprises are booming in Taiwan. Putting off the aging process, especially of the face, is as sought after here as anywhere around the world. One popular way to try doing that is to have a facial… or many facials. The technique they use is called manming “facial threading”—just wait ‘til you see how they do it! A hint: it’s facial hair removal… with a twist. It will leave your face as smooth as a billiard ball. Then of course it’s recommended you buy an bag full of cosmetic products to look your very best. And there are shops from high-end luxury stores to night-time street stalls to serve up a variety of the pretty-making potions.
2007-10-18
Glove puppetry is one of the most popular folk arts of Taiwan. Our host, Chris Downs, has his hands full with his old man puppet. Well, at least 1 hand.
Come along for this stage-worthy tour of the history, the music, the sets, and oh yes, the great acting that comes with a perky puppet performance. How about a performance of say, “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms”. And you thought this was “small time” stuff! Oh no, it’s Good vs. Evil, one more time. You might also look for the big screen movie version (yes, with puppets!) of “Legend of the Sacred Stone”. It was a BIG hit.
2007-10-18
Drinking tea is incorporated into every part of Taiwan life. Where and how you drink the tea is as important to Taiwanese as the quality of the taste. They’ve been drinking it since… well, since before you wrote down things like that. But now there are more than 500 types of tea available, based on tea trees and processing methods. That should be enough to please your taste buds and get you energized for our look at all things tea-wise. You’re invited along for a tour of the world of tea in Taiwan. Two for tea?
2007-10-18
Taiwan has 18,400 species of animals! One unusual creature is the Formosan Rock Monkey, which is now on the endangered species list. It first migrated (don’t ask us how!) from the mainland to the island about 10,000 years ago. They have evolved into a monkey that is now unique to Taiwan. They are mischievous and playful and highly social, living in colonies of 10 to 30 monkeys. They have strong family bonds. Of course, they love to climb and jump around the rocks! Do you like to climb rocks? Were you born in a Year of the Monkey? Tune in here to find out!