Foto de stock - Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall . Chiang Kai-shek became the first President of the Republic of China after fleeing mainland China. After he passed away in 1975, the Executive branch of the government decided to build a memorial on his behalf The groundbreaking ceremony took place on the deceased leaderâ. . s 90th birthday, October 31, 1976. The memorial hall opened to the public in 1980, on the fifth anniversary of Chiang Kai-shekâ. . s death. . The whole complex was completed in two phases. The first phase encompassed the building of the Hall, pavilions, verandah, and other related sites. The second phase of construction included the National Theater, National Concert Hall, and an underground parking lot completed in 1987. . . There were three underlying concepts of the design:. 1. To express the spirt of Chinese culture. 2. An innovative design in a unique and grande style. 3. The utilization of modern construction technology, with emphasis on economy and practical use. The memorial hall was designed by Yao Cho-cheng, whose design was chosen in a competition. The main hall is a large white building, topped with blue tiles. Combined with nearby red flowerbeds, the hall resembles the colors of the Taiwan flag. The roof of the hall is an octagon, which is also symbolic. Traditionally, many Asian cultures associate the number 8 with good fortune. The roof design has motifs on the top, which symbolize the ""unification of man and Heaven. "" The roof is said to form the Altar to Heaven and the blue glazed tiles reflect the sunlight. The color of the white sun and blue sky symbolize equality and freedom. The downstairs of the hall houses several exhibits on the life and career of Chiang Kai-shek. . The hall has two sets of stairs, each with 89 steps, representing the age of Chiang Kai-shek at the time of his death. Atop the stairs sits the memorial statute. The statue of Chiang Kai-shek is dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. Chinese inscriptions on the wall are the characters for Ethics, Democracy, and Science. During operating hours, there are hourly changing of the guard ceremonies that draw large crowds.