• Original picture on which the Chung-Shan Building illustration is based

  • The Chung-Shan Building


    The Chung-Shan Building on Yangmingshan on the outskirts of Taipei was inaugurated in 1966 to mark the centenary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and in commemoration of his achievement of founding the Republic of China. The building would become a venue for important meetings and the site for the National Assembly convention.
    Built in the style of a classical Chinese palace, the Chung-Shan Building is an outstanding piece of architecture that was designed by Xiu Zelan. The building’s green roof tiles provide a beautiful contrast with the red eaves and white walls, giving it a majestic appearance. The upturned eaves and roof edges look like an eagle spreading its wings. The interior is decorated with bird patterns inspired by Shang Dynasty bronze ware. All these elements are reinterpretations of classical Chinese art motifs. An arch stands majestically in front of the building and is engraved with the phrases “To travel the Great Way is this” and “The world as a commonwealth shared by all” in Dr. Sun’s handwriting. The arch, pine trees, cypresses, and stone lions form a serene whole.

  • Intaglio print of the Chung-Shan Building