VIBE

The beautiful botanical gardens at this former residence of General and Madam Chiang Kai-shek were personally overseen by the first couple for many years, and the elegant flora is just what you would expect from such high-flying leaders. Exhibits about the Generalissimo (including his bullet-proof Cadillac) and access to the couple's private worship space, Victoria Chapel, give further insight into their lives.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; flora fanatics

WHY WE LIKE IT

Scoping the gardens is our favorite part, especially if we come when the flowers are at their peak. (Don’t miss the striking “The Face of Mother Earth”–a work of landscaped art depicting the face of Mother Earth!) It’s also pretty interesting to check out the exhibits about Chiang Kai-shek.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Visitors can’t access the actual residence.

GOOD TO KNOW

The estate was closed to the public for many years after Chiang Kai-shek’s death; it was only reopened in 1996. Fun fact about Victoria Chapel: this is where the First Family held their weddings.

CLOSEST COMPS

Lin Family Mansion & Garden (Taipei); White House (Washington, DC); Buckingham Palace (London)