Watch the sunrise and admire plum blossoms at Sun Moon Lake – Chiang Kai-shek’s Former Residence reopens on New Year’s Day

▲ Cien Tower and the adjacent Chiang Kai-shek’s Former Residence in Sun Moon Lake were closed for a period after being affected by the 2013 earthquake, and will now reopen to visitors. (Photo / From the “Rediscover Dynamic Sun Moon Lake!” fan page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Chiang Kai-shek’s Former Residence at Cien Tower in Sun Moon Lake, which had been closed for over a year due to the earthquake in June 2013, has undergone extensive renovations and will finally reopen to the public on New Year’s Day 2015, in conjunction with the sunrise welcoming event.

The two-story Chiang Kai-shek’s Former Residence features a first floor that displays records of the 921 Earthquake, as well as photos and historical materials of Chiang Kai-shek’s visits to Sun Moon Lake. The second floor has been fully preserved as the living quarters, including the bedroom, living room, and dining room used by Chiang Kai-shek at the time, along with related cultural relics on display.

Due to damage caused by the June 2013 earthquake, the exterior walls, ceiling, and roof of Chiang Kai-shek’s Former Residence were damaged, leading to its closure along with Cien Tower, which also sustained damage. After more than a year of renovation, Cien Tower reopened to the public in mid-May this year, and the now fully restored Chiang Kai-shek’s Former Residence is scheduled to reopen to visitors in conjunction with the New Year’s Day sunrise event in 2015.

The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration stated that the reopening will coincide with the season when winter plum blossoms are in full bloom. In addition to visiting the historic site, visitors will also be able to enjoy the “plum” scenery swaying in the cold wind, making it another highlight not to be missed in winter Sun Moon Lake.