Taipei Martyrs' Shrine (also known as the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine 國民革命忠烈祠, Yuanshan Martyrs' Shrine 圓山忠烈祠, or Dazhi Martyrs' Shrine 大直忠烈祠) in Zhongshan District of Taipei City is dedicated to honoring fallen heroes of the Republic of China. Traditionally known for honoring fallen ROC soldiers who fought against the Japanese and Communists in China, but lately, other citizen heroes have been added to the shrine. Located near the Yuanshan Hotel and Dazhi MRT, it is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
This shrine is not to be confused with Nangang Martyrs' Shrine, which is also known as the Taipei Martyrs' Shrine. Background: Before the Martyrs' Shrine was established, it was formerly a Japanese Shinto Shrine called Taiwan Gokoku Shrine, which enshrined Taiwanese soldiers who died in battle and were honored at Japan's Yasukuni Shrine. Taiwan was once home to hundreds of Shinto Shrines during the Japanese era. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, many of these shrines were either destroyed or converted into Martyr's Shrines. After the ROC took Taiwan, President Chiang Kai-shek deemed the original Taiwan Gokoku Shrine too simple and lacking in dignity for honoring the martyrs of the ROC. He ordered its reconstruction led by General He Yingqin, a senior commander of the ROC Army. The architectural style is modeled after the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City. The Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine was established in 1969 under President Chiang Jing-kuo, the son of Chiang Kai-shek, who is also buried here. For more information on the history of this shrine, you can check out Josh Ellis' Blog here. The shrine honors over 400,000 soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives during various periods, including the founding of the Republic, the campaigns against Yuan Shikai, the Constitutional Protection Movement, the Eastern Expeditions, the Northern Expedition, anti-Communist operations, anti-Japanese efforts, and the isolated troops in Thailand and Myanmar. Besides the bodies of soldiers killed in action here, there is also the grave of Lin Qingjuan (林靖娟) who was also considered a martyr and honored here for losing her life trying to save preschool children from a terrible incident in which a preschool bus caught on fire. You can listen to that story on Formosa Files here. In addition, 7 doctors and nurses who died in Heping Hospital during the SARS epidemic in 2003 are also honored as martyrs here. As per Article 8 of the "Martyrs' Shrine Sacrifice Regulations," issued by the Executive Yuan in 1969 and revised in 1999, a martyrs' shrine is required to be established in the capital city of the central government. March 29 and September 3 are marked for ceremonies of all martyrs' shrines in Taiwan, with the president leading the national ceremonies at the capital shrine. The area is very popular, especially on weekends and holidays, and the site attracts many foreign tourists. Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM every day Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour shrine and nearby sights on Klook here, or KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The Shrine is a big square building in Taipei near Shilin and Neihu on the Keelung River. There is not a lot of parking nearby and you may have to walk quite a distance from the nearest parking lot. 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 Bus/MRT: The shrine is about a 20 minute walk from Dazhi MRT Station. From the MRT Station, you can also take bus 902 or another bus that will get you there in about ten minutes. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor 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: Please see below: Our Journey: I have been to the Taipei Martyrs' Shrine twice. It is one of the most picturesque structures in Taiwan. Here you can also enjoy the changing of the guards which perform a march every hour or so. It is a little hard to get to, but there are also usually lots of visitors here. 
The main gates of the shrine.
Main front gate with soldiers on guard. These guards are fun for tourists who like to take their photos as they remain expressionless.
Closer view.
ROC flags in the main courtyard.
View looking toward the main shrine.
There is also kind of a gift shop and service center to the right as you enter.
Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited.
There is also a beautiful tower to the left.
Two stone lions protect the entrance to the shrine.
Looking back at the front entrance.
View from the front hall.
War scene mural, depicting a battle in Liaoning, China.
Ornate ceilings.
Another war scene depicting a battle in Shanghai.
The main hall houses the spirit tablets of the martyrs of the National Revolution in the center, the ancestral spirit tablets of the Yellow Emperor and other ethnic ancestors on the left, and a portrait of Sun Yat-sen on the right.
Panorama of the area.
Closeup on the main shrine where two other guards stay watch.
Look back at the front hall.
For me, the most interesting part of the shrine was behind the main hall. Here you can find gardens and lots of historical artifacts.
Victory at Mianhu.
Right behind the shrine is just forest and jungle.
View from behind the main shrine.
View of the main shrine from behind.
Model of the Martrys' Shrine. I wonder why they never finished the big tower at the back of the shrine as shown in the model.
Again, there was supposed to be steps up to another building in the back.
However, behind the shrine is just an empty road.
There are more historical markers behind the shrine.
The Battle of Wuhan
"After the Battle of Hsuchow ended, the Japanese chose to invade Wuhan in order to destroy the Chinese army, so they assembled 12 divisions with 500 combat aircrafts, and a part of their Marine Corps, advancing toward Wuhan from four directions. In the south of the Yangtze River, a part of the Japanese forces went southward along the Nanhsun Railway in order to protect their left flank; another part went westward along the Jueiwu Road, bypassing Wuchang in the South. In the north of the Yangtze River, one part advanced toward Hankow along the north bank of the river, another part advanced toward Hsinyang along the foot of Tapieh. Meanwhile, the Japanese fleet sailed toward Wuhan along the Yangtze River. The Chinese army had deployed in depth around Wuhan to meet the approaching enemy. Having had much superior weapons and equipments, the Japanese troops advanced ambitiously and enveloped Wuhan on both sides. Facing such a disadvantageous situation, the Chinese army retreated toward the west and gave up Wuhan so as to safeguard the rear of southwest China." 
MARTYR Sa Shi-jun (1896–1938)
"Martyr Sa Shi-jun, a native of Fujian Province, had aspired to construct China into a better place since his adolescence. Likewise, he devoted himself in joining the Chinese navy. As the captain of the Zhongshan warship, he fought bravely against the Japanese invasion in the Battle of Wuhan by giving the ground troops the maximum support. Completing the mission successfully, his ship was anchored at Jinkou, he was spotted and bombed by Japanese planes repeatedly. Sa and his troop resisted the Japanese attack for nine hours. Unfortunately, both the bow and stern of the ship were hit, and the crews were either wounded or killed. Injured seriously, he continued to command his crews bravely even with his legs broken. Finally, Commander Sa sacrificed his life along with his ship for his country." 
I guess there is some parking back here too, but probably for employees only.
Side hall near the main shrine.
Wheelchair access up the main shrine.
Another view of the inner courtyard after some rain.
Bonzai Trees.
Another shrine in a side room with names of martyrs on wooden boards.
Wider view of the room.
Names and stories of some of the Martyrs in Chinese.
Wider view of the main shrine.
Sidewalk to the south.
Another hall with historical paintings.
Japanese Surrender in Nanjing.
Coming back to the front gate.
Be silent, please remove your hats, and no smoking.
View back at the entrance.
Sign posts.
Closeup on the honor guards.
Right next door to the shrine is the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, one of the tallest traditional Chinese buildings in the world, and was the tallest building in Taiwan for nearly a decade. It also features multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, all day buffet, shops, and secret underground tunnels, slides, and bunkers. It is a major landmark in Taipei and definitely worth a visit even if you do not plan to spend the night there. Check out our full blog here.
You can check out our Taipei Museum Guide here. Also be sure to check out our 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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