The Martyrs' Shrine now is a tourist attraction. Visitors who have come here all know about the famous guard mounting performance and have admired its palace-style architecture. They usually don't know much about the martyrs enshrined there. Therefore, it is clear that being the “national shrine” is not the reason why the Martyrs' Shrine is so appealing to visitors.

The solemn military establishment	Watching the guard mounting	The divine tablets (plaques) with martyrs' names on them	The Martyrs' Shrine is cleaner and more organized than community parks

From a Solemn Military Establishment to a Tourist Resort
Originally, the Martyrs' Shrine was governed by the Military History and Translation Office in the Ministry of National Defense. In 1969, the responsibility of its administration was transferred to the Combined Logistics Command in the same ministry, and then to the Reserve Command in 2006. The role of the Martyrs' Shrine is changing along with the agencies that govern it. From a confidential archive to a management division, now it is an office where citizens come for business. Thanks to the guard mounting, the Martyrs' Shrine even becomes a resort for everyone and a tourists' favorite as well.
From a National Divine Symbol to a Historical Site
In the age of former president Chiang Kai-shek, the Martyrs' Shrine was a respected sacred ground. However, after Taiwan and mainland China was no longer at war and are now in a peaceful opposition, the deceased honored in the Martyrs' Shrine are no more limited to martyrs who had “suppressed bandits” or “countered the insurgency”. The Martyrs' Shrine is now a community park welcomes everyone and also becomes a landmark and an international tourist spot in Taipei. In the Martyrs' Shrine, you can look for the course of the history in the old photos on display. When strolling among the magnificent buildings, you'll feel like you're in a bright red palace in the past century. Who won't be fascinated by it? The Martyrs' Shrine with the solemn image as the national shrine in the old days has been gradually transformed into a part of the citizens' daily life.

Website Translated by Ou Yang Pei-ting( Top )