臺北市政府文化局

Starting in the heart of Taipei, a drive along the winding mountain roads of Yangmingshan brings you to a landscape infused with the sharp scent of sulfur, a vivid reminder that this is an active volcano. Before stepping into the Qingcun Garden area, it’s hard to imagine that in this volcanic terrain stands a grand Chinese-style palace, its green-glazed tile roof, red eaves, and white walls exuding elegance and majesty. This is Chungshan Hall, the iconic structure depicted on Taiwan’s NT$100 bill and the world’s only large building constructed on a fumarole.

Built in 1966 to commemorate the centenary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth, Chungshan Hall is a landmark in modern Taiwanese architectural history, blending traditional Chinese elements with contemporary engineering. Designer Xiu Zelan, later hailed as “Taiwan’s pioneering female architect”, faced significant challenges posed by the volcanic terrain and sulfuric gases. The highly corrosion-resistant materials she used for everything, from the exterior walls to the roof and even the interior furnishings, ensure the building’s durability and safety in this harsh environment.

Interestingly, a glance at the map of Taipei reveals that Chungshan Hall stands in a perfectly straight line with three other notable landmarks: Chiang Kai-shek’s Shilin Official Residence, the Grand Hotel, and the Presidential Office Building. Enhancing its mystique, the Qingcun Guojian Hall courtyard in front of Chungshan Hall is home to a “feng shui tree”, a sweetgum said to have been used to determine the building’s location. The urban legend of a so-called “Imperial Axis”, which gave rise to the saying, “First came the Feng Shui Tree, then came Chungshan Hall”, adds an air of mystery to Chungshan Hall.

Over time, Chungshan Hall’s role has shifted: while it was originally used to host political gatherings, today it has become a cultural and tourist highlight, and visitors can marvel at the architectural grandeur while enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery of Yangmingshan. Before you leave, be sure to take a photo of Chungshan Hall and a NT$100 bill in your hand—a perfect memento of your encounter with history.