Shilin Official Residence (aka Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence 士林官邸 英文介紹) is a historic mansion surrounded by a beautiful park and other historical buildings. The building was the residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Meiling and housed many prominent guests. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: The Shilin Official Residence was built in 1950 by the ROC for the president Chiang Kai-shek, as a two-story western style home. Before the ROC took Taiwan, the grounds where the residence was built was a Japanese Horticulture Experimental Station. While in use, the grounds were highly militarized and closed off to the public. After Chiang Kai-shek's death in 1976, Soong Meiling continued to use the residence until her last visit in 1991. In 1996, the grounds were opened to the public as a park and a museum. The grounds include the Chiang's old Cadillac limousine, the Victory Chapel which was the Chiang's personal chapel, and Xinlan Pavilion, among other structures. The park is now popular with the public, especially on weekends. Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM and closed Mondays Price: 100 NT per person Free entrance to the park and other buildings. Tours: You can book tickets to the Taipei Shilin Residence for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. Where to Stay: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: The closest MRT station is Shilin Station, and is about a five minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 2 north to Shilin and continue right toward the National Palace Museum. There is plenty of paid parking near the park. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: Our Journey: I have been to the Shilin Residence twice: once in 2023 and once in 2024. It is always a popular place, especially on weekends. There are also always tour groups eager to see the old Shilin Residence. It is definitely an interesting place to learn more about Taiwan's history and enjoy some beautiful gardens. 
When we visited in 2023, the entrance was heavily decorated with flowers.
There was this musical flower display.
Also at the entrance there are some hiking trails up into the hills beyond, and also some old disintegrating army barracks that used to house soldiers that used to be stationed here to defend the president.
Old wooden barracks turning back into nature.
There was also an amazing swan bush display when we visited.
Beautiful rock garden behind the swan display.
Seating areas in front of another old building.
View from behind the Shilin Residence. There is a huge yard out back but I don't think people are allowed there.
If you didn't buy a ticket for a discount from Klook here or KKday here, you can still buy a ticket from this kiosk for 100 NT per person.
There are also discounts for groups and elderly.
My ticket to the museum.
You then have to walk through a small security check.
History of the Shilin Residence plastered over this wall.
There is also another beautiful fountain in front of this house.
Full view of the two-story western style residence.
History of the Shilin residence, similar to what I wrote above.
First view inside the residence.
Statue of Chiang.
Some old furniture on display.
Old mother-of-pearl Chinese style furniture.
Old Chinese paintings.
More art and relics on display.
A winter scene.
Original living room with cardboard cutout of the Chiangs.
Another living room space that was used for dignitaries.
More of the living room with a historical video.
Beautiful round window pointing outside.
Another view of the living room.
Square ceiling decorations.
Traditional Chinese decor.
Next you have to talk up the stairs. I think there is an elevator for disabled people available.
View from the stairs out the back.
Christian symbols on the second floor. The Chiangs were both Christian.
Another view from the second floor.
Chiang's old bed.
Another view of the old bedroom.
Ancient TV set.
Old desk and Chinese relief panels.
Another bedroom.
Upstairs living room and art studio.
Another sitting area.
Upstairs dining room.
More spaces on the second floor.
It can actually get quite crowded up here especially if there are some guided tours coming through.
You can see more photos of the Shilin Residence in the gallery above.
After you are done touring the residence, there are lots of other things you can see for free.
Like the Chiang's old Cadillac Limousine.
Side view of the car.
There is also a large outdoor arena that is often used for events.
When I visited the second time, it was being used for a political rally.
There are lots of gardens out behind the stadium.
There are also lots of open spaces to enjoy.
There are also lots of garden displays that change over time.
There is also a rose garden.
A white rose.
Another view of the rose garden.
A red rose.
Another view of the rose path.
A pink rose.
Another view of the rose area.
Even though the roads are pretty wide here, I do not recommend riding a bicycle inside because there are so many people.
Cherry orchard.
Traditional Chinese garden.
Sunflower garden.
Unfortunately, this Chinese garden was closed when we visited.
The victory chapel sits right in front of the Chinese Garden.
View of the entrance to the Victory Chapel.
The Victory Chapel was the Chiang's personal chapel where they worshipped on Sundays.
Insect art display.
The Xinlan Pavilion is another popular place that was used often by the Chiangs.
It is a very Chinese style building painted in bright ride.
Taiwan-shaped flower display.
More horticulture displays inside.
Side view of the building.
There are more plants on display in the building next door, but unfortunately, it was not open.
However I still snuck this photo of the inside.
There are lots of open spaces to rest out here.
Another view of the train display that was off limits.
Another display under construction. This place is always changing and you will not see the same park every year.
A lady rides her bike down the lane.
Another display under construction.
There is also an ecological pond and garden in front of the old Shilin Residence here.
You can try to spot insects and animals here.
There is also a boardwalk that goes around the pond.
And we circled back to the Shilin Residence.
You can see more photos of the area in the gallery above.
You can book tickets to the Taipei Shilin Residence for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. Check out our Taipei Museum Guide here. Also be sure to check out our full guide to Taipei here. You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.
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Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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