· Open -

The Grand Hotel - Taipei opened in stages, with its official establishment dating back to May 1952.

Because the hotel grew from a small guest house into the massive palace-style landmark seen today, there are two key opening milestones to note:

• Initial Opening (May 1952) - Founded by Madame Chiang Kai-shek (Soong Mei-ling), the hotel was originally built on the site of a former Japanese Shinto Shrine to host foreign dignitaries and heads of state.

• Main Building Completion (October 10, 1973) - The iconic 14-story, red-columned "Palace" building that defines the Taipei skyline today was completed on Taiwan's National Day (Double Tenth Day) in 1973.

· 1st Owner -

Established by Madame Chiang (One of the famous Soong sisters. The saying went that "One loved China, one loved money and one loved power". Mei-ling was the last one.)

It's basically a government owned and run enterprise.

• Madame Chiang Kai-shek was the "prime mover" behind the project. In 1952, she established the hotel to provide a world-class venue to host foreign dignitaries, as Taipei lacked a five-star hotel at the time.

• The hotel is owned and operated by the Duen-Mou Foundation of Taiwan (also known as the Taiwan Friendship Foundation). This is a non-profit organization that remains under the supervision of Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

· AKA -

1. Yuanshan Great Hotel (圓山大飯店)

This is the hotel's official Chinese name, Yuánshān Dà Fàndiàn.

• Yuanshan means Round Mountain, referring to the hill it sits upon.

• Locals and regional guides often refer to it simply as The Yuanshan.

2. The Dragon Palace

Because the hotel is decorated with over 200,000 dragon carvings and motifs, it is widely nicknamed the Dragon Palace. Feng shui masters also traditionally referred to the location as a "dragon tail cave," a spot of significant spiritual energy.

3. The Red Mansion

Occasionally, it is called The Red Mansion due to its striking vermilion columns and palatial design. In fact, a specific shade of red used by local paint companies in Taiwan is officially marketed as "Yuanshan Red."

4. The Palace Hotel

While not its official title, it is frequently described as a Palace-style hotel because it was designed to resemble the classical architecture of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

· Stars - *****

· Guests -

As a former state guest house, the Grand Hotel has hosted over 111 heads of state and thousands of international celebrities. Because it was the only five-star hotel in Taipei for many years, almost every major figure visiting Taiwan stayed there.

1. Political Leaders & Heads of State

• Dwight D. Eisenhower: The only sitting U.S. President to visit Taiwan (1960).

• Lee Kuan Yew the former Prime Minister of Singapore was the hotel’s most frequent famous guest, staying there 24 times. He was reportedly so impressed by the service that he once requested a hotel butler accompany him on his entire trip.

• Richard Nixon stayed at the hotel in 1965 (before his presidency) during a trip to Asia.

• Nelson Mandela the South African leader stayed here during a state visit.

• Margaret Thatcher the Iron Lady was a guest at the hotel.

• Bill Clinton & Ronald Reagan both stayed at the hotel during their various visits to Taiwan.

• The Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the first head of state from a Muslim country to stay at the hotel (1958).

• King Bhumibol Adulyadej the King of Thailand and Queen Sirikit stayed here in 1963.

2. Celebrities & Cultural Icons

• Elizabeth Taylor  the Hollywood legend visited in 1979 and reportedly took a tour of the island from her base at the hotel.

• Yao Ming the former NBA star stayed at the hotel during a visit as a Special Olympics ambassador.

• Alain Delon the famous French actor was a guest during the height of his fame.

3. Tragic History: Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

One of the most famous and sombre stays was by Filipino Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. He spent his final night alive at the Grand Hotel in 1983 before flying to Manila, where he was assassinated upon arrival at the airport.

· History -

After fleeing China Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek decided he didn't have anywhere fitting to accommodate visiting heads of state. His wife suggested the site and Chiang decided on palace style architecture to show off Chinese culture.

In 1995 a fire broke out that was too high for firemen to get to and completely burned the roof and upper floors. The hotel didn't reopen until 1998. During reconstruction 2 dragon heads were turned 180 degrees to protect against future fires.

The safety inspection after the fire resulted in the discovery of secret tunnels that had been rumoured to go back to the Official Residence.

· Signature -

The Grand Hotel Taipei is famous for its Palace-style design, which uses traditional Chinese architecture to project national prestige. Its signature features are a mix of intense symbolism, hidden history, and record-breaking craftsmanship.

The hotel is covered in dragon motifs, but two specific ones are iconic -

• The Centennial Golden Dragon located in the Golden Dragon Restaurant. This bronze statue survived a 1944 plane crash and a 2023 ceiling collapse. It is unique because it has three claws (a Japanese style) rather than the traditional Chinese five. It was gilded in 24K gold in 1987.

• The plum-blossom-shaped ceiling in the main lobby features 23 golden dragons and 16 phoenixes. The numbers are symbolic: 23 sounds like easy to rise in Chinese, and 16 plus a flower sounds like continuous profit.

Yuanshan Red Columns

The building is supported by massive vermilion columns. This specific shade of red is so iconic that it is known in the local paint industry as "Yuanshan Red." It was chosen to represent ritual, luck, and the majesty of a royal palace.

The Hidden Glass Door Message

If you look closely at the large glass doors in the main lobby, the decorative patterns actually hide six archaic Chinese characters that read Long Live the Republic of China (中華民國萬歲). This was a subtle way to embed a political message into the very entrance of the building.

The Roof and Beasts

The roof is covered in golden-yellow glazed tiles, a style once reserved only for Chinese emperors. Along the ridges of the roof, you can see rows of "crouching beasts"—small figurines that traditionally protect a building from fire and evil spirits.

· Rooms -

500 rooms in 11 styles 

Each of the eight guest levels in the main palace-style tower is designed to represent a different Chinese dynasty, reflected through unique murals and decor.

The most expensive room at the hotel is the Presidential Suite, which is essentially a living museum of Taiwanese history.

• The suite houses the original furniture used by President Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang, including his mahogany writing desk and her dressing table. A stay in this prestigious suite costs around AUD$ 8,450 per night. 

· Tales -

The Grand Hotel is steeped in political intrigue, legends of survival, and secret history. Its most famous stories often blur the line between national security and local folklore.

The Miracle of the Golden Dragon

The Centennial Golden Dragon located in the hotel's restaurant is considered a divine protector of the building, with a story that spans over a century and two different empires.

• The dragon was originally a bronze statue at a Japanese Shinto shrine that occupied the site. In 1944, a Japanese fighter plane accidentally crashed into the shrine, leveling the wooden structures. The dragon was the only thing that remained intact, leading locals to believe it possessed spiritual power.

• In June 2023, a portion of the restaurant's ceiling collapsed directly onto the dragon, severing its head. Many traditionalists viewed this as the dragon taking a blow to protect the hotel and its guests from a greater disaster. It has since been meticulously restored.

The Egg Attack

• In 1978, U.S. Deputy Secretary Warren Christopher arrived at the hotel to negotiate the end of formal diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Taiwan. His car was surrounded and pelted with eggs by thousands of angry protesters right outside the hotel gates.

A Final Night

• Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., the famous Philippine opposition leader stayed at the Grand Hotel the night before he flew to Manila and was assassinatedby the Marcos regime on the tarmac in 1983.

The Butler Request

• Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew stayed at the hotel over 25 times and was reportedly so impressed with the service that he once requested his favorite Grand Hotel butler travel with him to serve him at a different hotel during his stay.

The Eight Great Cuisines

In the 1970s, the hotel famously helped smuggle master chefs out of mainland China via Hong Kong. This brought authentic, high-level regional cooking (Sichuan, Cantonese, Teochew, etc.) to Taiwan for the first time, effectively making the hotel the birthplace of Taiwan's high-end State Banquet culture.

· Claim to Fame -

It was the first 5***** hotel in Taipei

It was in the movie Eat, Drink, Man ,Woman.

It is the largest traditional Chinese building in the world.

In 1968, Fortune magazine ranked the Grand Hotel as one of the top ten hotels in the world. A big achievement for Taiwan at the time.

It's a tourist destination in its own right

They provided meals on China Airlines for First class and Business passengers.

It is the country's most iconic hotel

The World's Longest Secret Slide - the West escape tunnel contains an 85-metre-long slide. While it was built for the emergency evacuation of elderly dignitaries, it is now one of the most famous tourist curiosities in Asia.

Before the construction of the Shinkong Life Tower and eventually Taipei 101, the 14-story Grand Hotel was the tallest building in Taiwan from 1973 until 1981.

In 1986, during the martial law era, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) now one of Taiwan's major political parties was secretly founded inside the hotel’s Dunhuang Room.

The People First Party was also established at the hotel in 2000.

The hotel is famous for its intensive use of Feng Shui.

• Innovations -

Earthquake & Typhoon Resilience

• Built during a time when high-rise construction in Taiwan was still in its infancy, the 14-story Palace building was an engineering feat. Its massive vermilion columns are not just for show; they provide a structural foundation designed to withstand Taiwan’s frequent earthquakes and typhoons.

Explosion-Proof Safety

• The secret tunnels weren't just simple dugouts, they featured high-tech (for the 1970s) innovations like explosion-proof lighting to prevent flying glass during a blast and sound-dampened walls to allow for quiet, undetected movement of leaders.

Additive-Free Seasoning

• More recently (starting in 2021), the hotel innovated in health standards by collaborating with local producers (like Taiyen) to create a completely additive-free line of condiments used across all its restaurants—a rarity for large-scale hotel dining.

· Feature -

Great location on Mt Yuanshan with panoramic views over the city

1. The Grand Marble Staircase - Located in the main lobby, it is the most popular photo spot for guests and wedding parties.

2. The Main Gate - A massive, traditional Pailou (archway) that serves as the ceremonial entrance to the hotel grounds.

3. The Balconies - Every room in the main building features a wide, red-railed balcony offering panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the Keelung River.

· View -

The Grand Hotel is perched on the slopes of Yuanshan (Round Mountain), a location specifically chosen for its commanding views over the capital. Because it sits higher than the surrounding landscape, guests are treated to a 360-degree panorama of Taipei’s mix of urban density and natural beauty.

• Taipei 101 and the Skyline - The southern-facing rooms offer a clear, unobstructed view of the Taipei 101 skyscraper and the Xinyi District. This is particularly spectacular at night when the city lights up or during the New Year's Eve fireworks.

• The Keelung River - Looking directly down from the hotel, you can see the winding Keelung River and the green expanses of the riverside parks, where locals often exercise and cycle.

• Aviation Watching - Because the hotel is located near Songshan Airport (Taipei's domestic airport), guests can watch planes taking off and landing against the backdrop of the city, which is a favorite for photography enthusiasts.

• Mountain and Forest Views - The northern side of the hotel faces the lush greenery of the Yangmingshan National Park foothills, offering a more serene and natural mountain resort atmosphere.

• The Kun Lun Room (12F) - This high-floor venue is famous for its Golden View, often used for high-end events because of its sweeping window vistas.

• The Garden Square - Located at the front of the hotel, this outdoor terrace provides a great vantage point for photos of the hotel's facade against the city skyline.

· High Tea -

The Garden Café offers a refined set-menu afternoon tea. 

• Signature Items - Red Bean Rice Cake which was famously the favorite dessert of Madame Chiang Kai-shek. It is often served alongside premium Taiwanese Oolong or specialty coffees.

• This venue is intimate and cozy offering an environment for conversation while overlooking the lobby's grand marble staircase.

•  Afternoon tea is served daily from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

• Dress Code - While the hotel is upscale, the afternoon tea dress code is generally smart casual. Most visitors wear neat, everyday attire, though many choose to dress up slightly for photos in the lobby.

• Reservations are highly recommended for the Grand Garden Restaurant buffet, as it frequently reaches capacity with tour groups and local families.

· Facilities -

Olympic size swimming pool / Tennis court / Snooker room / Children's playroom / Reading room / Spa pools and sauna / Gym with swimming pool / A shopping Street / Banquet Hall / Ball Room / Assembly Hall / Conference Halls / Business centre

The Grand Hotel is more than just a hotel, it’s a complex that includes a private club and historical museum features. Because of its history as a state guest house, the facilities are divided between the Main Building and the more exclusive Yuan Shan Club.

The Yuan Shan Club (Sports & Leisure)

Guests staying at the hotel have access to this club, which was originally a private social hub for diplomats and high society.

• A 50-metre outdoor pool that is widely considered one of the best in Taipei.

• Tennis Courts - Several well-maintained hard courts.

• Snooker Room

• Fitness Center & Saunas - Includes a fully equipped gym, steam rooms, and hot/cold plunge pools.

• Children’s Play Area - A dedicated space for families, including a Tree House playground.

Grand Hotel Shop - Sells signature souvenirs, including their famous Yuanshan Beef Noodle gift boxes and the additive-free seasonings they innovated.

The Grand Ballroom - A massive, pillar-less space for up to 700 guests.

Business Center - Provides workstations and secretarial services.

Family Mart - A 24-hour convenience store located inside the hotel building, which is very handy since the hotel is on a hill away from the main city streets.

If you aren't staying at the hotel, you can still access some facilities via a day pass or tour - like the swimming pool and the tennis courts.

· Unique -

The Grand Hotel is truly one-of-a-kind because it serves as a living museum of Chinese history and political prestige, rather than just a commercial lodging. It is unique for its massive scale, its former role as a high-security state guest house, and its deep integration of spiritual symbolism.

For decades, rumors circulated that secret tunnels connected the hotel directly to the Presidential Office or military bases. These were officially discovered and confirmed by a safety commission only after a major fire in 1995.

The Guarded Secret - 

• The tunnels were designed by a German-American military engineer to evacuate President Chiang Kai-shek and foreign dignitaries in the event of an air raid or invasion.

The Dangerous Slide - 

• The West Tunnel features a 20-metre-long slide. While it looks like a fun attraction, it was built specifically for the elderly and frail Chiang Kai-shek to be whisked down by bodyguards. 

The Exit - 

• The tunnels do not lead to the Presidential Office as rumored instead, they exit into nearby parks, hidden by 90cm-thick concrete walls designed to blend into the mountain rock.

The East Secret Passage - 

• Leads to the Secret Garden and the former residence of Miss Kung Er (the first General Manager). Shrouded in mystery for 50 years, this tunnel exits into a beautiful hidden garden once used for private diplomatic strolls.

The Presidential Suite (Museum) - 

• While it can be booked for stays, it is often opened for specialized tours to view the original furniture used by Chiang Kai-shek.

Heritage Gallery - 

• A small museum area in the lobby that displays historical photos and artifacts from the hotel's founding.

· Restaurants -

Yuan Yuan Restaurant - 

Specializes in authentic Jiangzhe and Northern Chinese cuisine, focusing on traditional snacks and hearty noodle dishes.

• Signature Dishes - Must-try items include the Steamed Rice Cake with Red Beans (a favorite of Madame Chiang Kai-shek), Xihu Fish in Vinegar Gravy, and Dong Po Pork.

•  The decor resembles a traditional Northern Chinese inn with an open kitchen, providing a warm and inviting old-world ambiance.

Golden Dragon Restaurant -

Is an upscale venue known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and panoramic views of the Keelung River and Taipei 101.

• Signature Dishes - Highlights include the Roasted Meat Platter, Champagne Lemon Chicken, and Fried Rice with Seafood and Mullet Roe.

• It offers a sophisticated setting with large floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a popular choice for both business lunches and late-night meals.

Grand Hotel Songhe Hall - 

Is the hotel’s flagship buffet restaurant, serving over 100 different dishes that combine Chinese, Western, and Japanese flavors.

• The restaurant includes an open kitchen and seven distinct dining areas that can accommodate up to 400 guests.

• Atmosphere: It is lively and ornate, often featuring live music during dinner service.

Garden Café - 

Provides a more relaxed environment for light meals, afternoon tea, and high-quality coffee.

• It serves a variety of set meals and delicate desserts, decorated with a blend of traditional and contemporary art.

• Located on the left side of the lobby, it is a quiet spot suitable for casual meetings or a break after exploring the hotel.

 The Presidential & State Banquet Menu

You can experience the exact flavors served to world leaders through the State Banquet set menus at the Yuan Yuan or Golden Dragon restaurants.

Signature Presidential Dishes Include:

• Madame Chiang’s Red Bean Rice Cake - This is the hotel's most legendary dessert. It was Madame Chiang Kai-shek's personal favorite light, chewy, and not too sweet.

• The "Three-Clawed" Abalone - A nod to the hotel's history, often served in a Japanese-style stewed sauce.

• Stewed Pork Ribs with Cordyceps - A staple of healthy "longevity" banquets for visiting elders.

• Yangzhou Three-Flavored Fried Rice - A highly technical dish that was a favorite of former Singaporean PM Lee Kuan Yew.

• "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" - A rich, traditional soup often used as the centerpiece for formal inaugurations.

• Bars - 

The Grand Hotel features one primary bar and lounge area, along with a specialized speakeasy-style bar that offers a unique historical experience.

The bars within the hotel provide distinct atmospheres ranging from relaxed and artistic to moody and exclusive.

Meet Bar by BAR MOOD

Is a sophisticated speakeasy located on the basement level that blends vintage luxury with modern mixology.

• Guests get exclusive night-time access to the East Secret Passage, a historic emergency tunnel used by heads of state, which leads to a hidden garden.

• Signature Drinks - The menu includes creative cocktails like the Red House, often incorporating local ingredients like Oolong tea and plum wine.

The Garden Café (often referred to as the Lobby Bar)

Serves as the hotel's primary lounge area for a more laid-back experience.

• In addition to stylish alcoholic drinks and wine, it serves a la carte meals, afternoon tea sets, and colorful desserts.

• Located within the grand palace-style architecture of the main building, making it ideal for casual meetings or relaxing with friends.

• Swimming Pool - 

The Grand Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool facility located within the adjacent Yuan Shan Club. While the hotel does not have a traditional pool bar situated directly at the water's edge, it does house a dedicated bar and lounge area where guests can relax with drinks.

• Olympic-Size Pool - The main outdoor pool is a professional Olympic-size facility measuring 50 meters by 25 meters, with depths ranging from 1.2 to 5 meters. It is said to be the best pool in Taipei.

• Children's Facilities - A separate children's pool is available with a safe depth of 0.5 to 0.6 meters, making it family-friendly.

• The pool is open year-round, though hours vary. During summer (May to October), it is typically open from 6 am to 10 pm, while winter hours (November to March) are slightly shorter, closing at 8 pm.

• Guest Access - Access is complimentary for hotel guests from 12:00 PM on their check-in date until 11:00 AM on their check-out date.

• Sights -

The Grand Hotel Taipei is located on Jiantan Mountain, placing it in a unique position that balances city life with cultural history and nature. Here are some of the most prominent sights within a short distance of the hotel.

National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine

Is a magnificent structure dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Republic of China, located just a few minutes' drive from the hotel.

• Changing of the Guard - Visitors often come specifically to watch the precise changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place on the hour.

• Architecture - The shrine features grand traditional Chinese architecture, modeled after the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City.

National Palace Museum

Is one of the world's great museums and most significant museums for Chinese imperial artifacts. It is easily accessible from the hotel area.

• Imperial Treasures - It houses nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks spanning 8,000 years of history.

• Iconic Exhibits - Must-see items include the famous Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-shaped Stone.

Shilin Night Market

Is Taipei's largest and most famous night market, located just downhill from the hotel.

• Street Food Paradise - It is a major hub for traditional Taiwanese snacks like oyster omelets, fried chicken steak, and bubble tea.

• Atmosphere - The market is vibrant and bustling, offering a sharp contrast to the serene elegance of the Grand Hotel.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Is Taiwan's first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, situated in the nearby Taipei Expo Park.

• Contemporary Art - It features rotating exhibitions from both local and international artists within a strikingly modern building.

• Park Surroundings - The museum is surrounded by open green spaces and the Taipei Story House, a charming Tudor-style heritage building.

Jiantanshan Hiking Trail

Starts practically at the hotel's doorstep and offers a quick escape into nature.

• Scenic Views - The trail leads to the  "Old Place" plane-spotting platform, providing panoramic views of the Keelung River and Songshan Airport.

• It is a relatively easy hike, popular with locals for morning exercise and evening city views.

Lin An Tai Historical House

• Hidden in nearby Yuanshan Park, this beautifully preserved traditional courtyard house offers a quiet glimpse into Qing-era Taiwanese architecture. It’s a peaceful stop that many visitors miss - perfect if you want something low-key and atmospheric close to your hotel.

Yuanshan Park

• Surrounds the Grand Hotel area with open green space, riverside paths, and gentle walking trails. It’s ideal for morning strolls or a break between sightseeing stops, and it shows how easily nature and city life coexist in Taipei.

• Visa - 

Citizens of more than 62 countries and territories can enter Taiwan visa-free for 14, 30 or 90 days as of June 2024. Check here to see your status.

As with many countries now you will need to fill in an online digital arrival card within 72 hours of arrival known as TWAC.

• Flights - 

Taipei-Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) has direct flights to 102 destinations in 29 countries including most of the major hubs in Australasia, Asia, Europe and North America. There are no flights to Africa or South America.

There is a MRT Station at the airport you can catch into the city.

• Extra -

See Taiwan, Kinmen & Little Kinmen in Islands