"Tzuhu" lake situated to the south of Tachi in Taoyuan County, is formed by a tributary of Tahan River. Driving along the northern section of the island highway from Tachi for about 4.3 miles, we find a tunnel called "Paichi". A little stream near the tunnel suddenly becomes larger. Green bamboos and plum trees are planted along this water way. That is the locality of "Tzuhu." It was originally called "Piwei." One day in 1961, President Chiang Kai-shek discovered this beautiful scene on his way to Chiaopanshan. He was struck by the quiet beauty of the lake, which reminded him of his home town of Chikow in Chekiang Province. President Chiang renamed this site "Tzuhu." which devotes maternal love, in memory of his mother.
"Tzuhu" is divided into two sections, Front Tzuhu and Rear Tzuhu. They are linked by water and both are surrounded by hills. A cap- shape mountain stretching from Front Tzuhu and then followed by several hilltops resembles an active dragon. The countrymen view this scene as extraordinary and call the mountain range "the passing dragon." Front Tzuhu covers an area of about 5 hectares (about 12.5 acres). It is a little larger than Rear Tzuhu. The breeze ripples the quiet waters. They look as if the depth is beyond measurement. Interconnected by the same water with the front lake, Rear Tzuhu is narrow and long. A wooded hill stands between these two sections. A long dike lying to the south of the lake becomes an important passage. At the end of the dike is a garden. A winding driveway around the garden leads to the entrance of the house at Tzuhu.
The hill-girt president's temporary residence at Tzuhu sits amid a bamboo grove. Red-brick walls and black-painted wood doors with a pair of lion-headed brass knockers decorate it in graceful ancient style. Over the main corridor are the characters "Tzuhu" written by President Chiang Kai-shek himself. The main doors open onto a courtyard bordered by a wing with winding corridors on each side. Directly across the courtyard is the main hall, where the mortal remains of President Chiang are temporarily entombed. The east wing was the late President's bedroom. A pathway behind the house leads to the lake bank, where two reception residences are located. It is said that the late President often strolled along the path to the reception residences, enjoying the scenery or reading beside the window.
The map shows location of Tzuhu.
The dike is girted with azaleas and green bamboos.
Wooded hills and valleys are fortunate to accompany the soul of the late President.
Banyan stands in front of the late President's temporary resting place.
Camellia and osmanthus-studded garden at Tzuhu.
Tzuhu's Chinese-style courtyard harmonizes with the peace and quiet.
Our great leader rests temporarily at Tzuhu.
The characters “Tzuhu” written by President Chiang Kai-shek himself.
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