Taipei sets up Chiang Kai-shek Trail on Yangmingshan—“Underground Presidential Office” and anti-aircraft guns become highlights

▲ The Grass Mountain Air Raid Shelter in Taipei’s Yangmingshan is known as the “Underground Presidential Office.” (Photo provided by Taipei’s Department of Civil Engineering)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Taipei’s Department of Civil Engineering plans to restore decommissioned 40mm anti-aircraft guns into a “40mm Gun Garden” near the Grass Mountain Chateau on Yangmingshan, which will later be integrated with Zhongshan Hall and the Grass Mountain Air Raid Shelter to form the Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Hiking Trail.

The Grass Mountain Air Raid Shelter is located between the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal and the post office, connecting attractions such as the Grass Mountain Chateau and the Yangmingshu Villa. After renovation by the Department of Civil Engineering, it opened last year. This air raid shelter not only served to protect Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling in the past but also functioned as his temporary office, earning it the local nickname “Underground Presidential Office.”

The Taipei Department of Civil Engineering stated that this air raid shelter was built between 1954 and 1957, featuring a unique spiral design found nowhere else in Taiwan. It extends 14 meters underground, with blast-proof stone walls about 1 meter thick, and remained hidden for 60 years before re-emerging before the public.

The air raid shelter has three entrances and exits, with an underground space of approximately 700 ping divided into 16 compartments of various sizes. It could accommodate up to 600 people for shelter and even included Western-style toilets and tiled washbasins, showcasing rather refined décor—essentially an underground luxury residence.

▲ The azalea tea garden on Yangmingshan is a popular spot for flower viewing. (Photo provided by Taipei’s Department of Civil Engineering)

With the air raid shelter now open, the Department of Civil Engineering plans to restore a former military position that once protected Chiang Kai-shek’s stay at the Grass Mountain Chateau, located along the Azalea Tea Garden Trail between the first and second parking lots on Yangmingshan. Using decommissioned 40mm anti-aircraft guns, they will create a “40mm Gun Garden,” which will later be integrated with Zhongshan Hall and the Grass Mountain Air Raid Shelter to form the Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Hiking Trail. This will allow visitors to relax while learning about the history of the Chiang Kai-shek era.