Chiang Statues in Beitou

Taiwan is an island of divided and conflicting memories. Since the end of martial law, the country has slowly moved toward transitional justice, with many symbols of the authoritarian past removed or relocated—like those sent to the well-known Garden of the Generalissimos in Taoyuan. But some statues are more durable than others. It’s estimated that nearly a thousand Chiang Kai-shek statues still remain across Taiwan—in schools, parks, and government offices—still respected by some, and controversial to others.

One set of statues is tucked away on a quiet street across from the Fu Hsing Kang College, a military academy in Beitou District. Here, you’ll find the former dictator Chiang Kai-shek on horseback, alongside a seated statue of his son Chiang Ching-kuo, who also ruled Taiwan for a decade. Both statues are large and bright copper green, making them visually striking in a regular alley with not much else around. 

The statues are made by Wei Lizhi, known for his many military-themed works around Taiwan. Local legend says that the Chiang Kai-shek statue used to be accompanied by a ceremonial knife, but it was stolen. Compared with earlier photos, someone seems to have added the English phrase “Everything was good” onto Chiang Ching-kuo’s left arm—a statement that perfectly summarized how Chiangs’ supporters still feel about that era.