3 Reasons You Will Love Your Visit To Shilin Residence Park In Taipei (士林官邸公園）
If you enjoy botanical and flower gardens, Shilin Residence Park is a wonderful place to visit during your time in Taipei.
Located in the Shilin District in Taipei City, just a 5-minute walk from MRT Red Line’s Shilin Station, this park was once the home of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling.
In case you are wondering who Chiang Kai-shek is – he was a Chinese military and political leader who served as the president of the Republic of China from 1928 to 1949 on the mainland and then in Taiwan until 1975.
This place has become Taipei’s first ecological park since its full opening to the public in August 1996. The annual exhibitions of chrysanthemums, plums, orchids, and more are big events that draw many visitors.
Most of this 12.9-hectare (31.9 acres) park is free to the public, but admission is required to tour the inside of the house.
Over the past several years, I’ve visited the park twice—once in early spring and once in summer—and each time, I’ve enjoyed the beautiful variety of seasonal flowers in the gardens.
Still on the fence about going? In this post, I’ve listed 3 reasons why you will love your visit to the Shilin Residence Park. Please read on.
3 Reasons You Will Love Your Visit To Shilin Residence Park
Here are the 3 reasons:
1. Enjoy Beautiful Flower Gardens
The gardeners at Shilin Residence Park do an excellent job of tending to the grounds. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be greeted by beautiful flowers in bloom, perfectly maintained lawns, and well-groomed trees.
There’s almost always a flower exhibition to enjoy, whether it’s outdoors in the gardens or indoors in the dedicated display areas. In winter, delicate plum blossoms take center stage, while spring brings vibrant tulips and roses to the gardens. Autumn is when Shilin Residence Park hosts Taipei’s largest chrysanthemum exhibition.
This photo was taken in the early spring during the annual Tulip Festival. It was incredible to see a sea of tulips in full bloom, glowing beautifully in the sun.
You can also enjoy flowers and plants indoors at the park. The indoor garden, known as Xin Lan Ting (新蘭亭), features exhibitions of tropical plants, orchids, begonias, and ferns.
2. Learn About Chiang Kai-Shek’s Home Life
The historical residence itself is another attraction worth exploring. If you’ve visited the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂）, you might already know a bit about this prominent figure in Taiwan’s history.
Here at Shilin Residence, you can take it a step further by touring his 2-story home. You’ll get a glimpse into the lives of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling, and see how they lived and hosted guests during their time when he was the president of Taiwan.
Please note that there is an admission fee (NTD 100 for an adult ticket) to tour the house. The tour includes four areas: the Main Building, the Guesthouse, the Ciyun Pavilion, and Kaige Hall.
3. Relaxing Atmosphere For Family
The park offers a peaceful escape from the busy city, with lush greenery, beautiful gardens, and tranquil spots perfect for relaxation. If you’re visiting Taipei with young children, this park is also a great place for them to run around and release their energy.
Getting to Shilin Residence Park
Shilin Residence Park is located in Taipei’s Shilin District, at the intersection of Zhongshan North Road Section 5 and Fulin Road. It’s easy to reach by public transportation. Simply take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) and get off at Shilin Station. From Exit 2, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to the park.
Attractions Nearby
The famous Shilin Night Market is just a short cab ride away (you can even walk there for about 20 minutes if the weather permits).
If Shilin Night Market is in your plan, you can conveniently stop by Shilin Residence Park beforehand to enjoy some calm and greenery before heading to the night market in the evening.
Conclusion
Shilin Residence Park is a wonderful place that offers a mix of history, nature, and relaxation. Whether you love flowers, enjoy learning about history, or want a peaceful place to escape the city, this park has it all.
Its beautiful gardens bloom year-round, and the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek gives you a glimpse into Taiwan’s past. Located just a short walk from the MRT and close to Shilin Night Market, it’s easy to add this stop to your day.
