Let's all go down to the new Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It's built in honor of one man, but benefits millions. --Yen Yuang-su.

A Sunday morning haze hangs over Taipei. For once, the streets are relatively free of traffic. Even from a distance, the golden cupola and the blue eaves of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall can be seen rising in majestic beauty.

As one approaches from Chung-shan South Road, the cloister walls with their windows in many shapes--fans, flowers, the moon and lotus leaves--come into view. By the time one reaches the main gate, morning has already arrived in the park which surrounds the hall. Native and exotic flowers are in blossom, the birds are singing and the citizens of Taipei are inspired to begin the ritual of morning exercises.

On the square in front of the hall, hundreds of people join hands in several concentric circles, and turn, sway, stamp and clap their hands to the accompaniment of folk music being played in the background. Young ladies dance gracefully, while their elders follow them, perhaps more awkwardly, but with equal enthusiasm.

Mrs. Wu, aged 58, is typical of the many older people who frequent the park. She dons a T-shirt and canvas shoes to turn up dutifully every morning at 6 a.m. to join the activities.

Mrs. Wu explains: "My children have all grown up and are occupied with their businesses and their families. After the park was finished, I was persuaded to join the folk dancers. At first, I felt sore all over, but now I have learned dances from all over the world. My figure and my health have also benefited."

Most of the dancers are housewives, professional women and couples. In addition to folk dancing, the participants take part in the popular disco dancing. As the first note sounds, they sway their hips, stretch their arms, and move their legs according to the instructions of the group leader. After several numbers, their clothes are drenched with sweat and from time to time they mop their brows with their handkerchiefs.

Off to one side, several people are practising yoga. They have moved their headquarters from the National Taiwan University to the comfortable and spacious park at the memorial. Still others show their powers of concentration in pursuing such activities as Chinese kung fu, fencing and boxing. Yet another group is engaged in such exercises as running, rope skipping, skating and playing badminton.

A group of old men can be seen carrying caged birds along the stone paths engaging in another traditional activity, while in the shade of some trees, students browse through their books. Fresh air and pleasing landscapes make the memorial an ideal place for meditation. As the sun burns off the morning mists, the early exercisers start to drift away. But for the park, another busy, bustling day is just beginning.

Buses, taxis and private cars are already emptying the crowds of visitors who come every day to see the new memorial. After paying homage to the solemn and majestic monument which embodies the great spirit of the late President Chiang Kai-shek, they tour the traditional Chinese garden. The park not only reflects the prosperity and high living standards of the people in free China, but also provides a convenient place to relax in green surroundings in the heart of downtown Taipei.

According to architect Yang Cho-cheng, the park is divided into three areas, the central Chan Yan boulevard, the landscaped garden on both sides, and the hu pei (tiger back) sector at the rear. The design, color, materials and landscaping have all been patterned according to traditional Chinese gardening arts. Ponds, bridges, resting places, flowers and forest views, have all been combined to provide an ideal sanctuary away from the bustle of the metropolis. A cloister topped with blue glazed tiles has been constructed around the park to provide shelter for visitors.

In the evening, a specially designed illumination system gives the park an ethereal glow, and latecomers are rewarded with a new facet of the memorial's beauty.

[Picture Caption]

Left: The traditional Chinese garden, featuring an arched bridge, ponds, flowers and shady spots, provides an ideal recreation place for tourists. Right: Visitors touring the park.

1. Though the Memorial is built in honor of one man, it benefits millions. 2. An old man carrying caged birds. 3. Taipei citizens practicing shadow boxing in the park. 4. A corner of the parking lot. 5. A couple of newly-weds pose for a picture in the park.

Young women perform graceful folk dances (1), while their elders follow them, perhaps more awkwardly, but with equal enthusiasm (2). Fencing (3), skating (4), and painting (5) in the park.

Though the Memorial is built in honor of one man, it benefits millions.

An old man carrying caged birds.

aipei citizens practicing shadow boxing in the park.

A corner of the parking lot.

A couple of newly-weds pose for a picture in the park.

Young women perform graceful folk dances.

while their elders follow them, perhaps more awkwardly, but with equal enthusiasm.

Fencing.

skating.

and painting （5） in the park.