| Grand
Hotel (1952, burned 1995, restored 1998)
other
sites in Taipei |
Taipei, Taiwan |
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The Grand Hotel (Yuanshan Da Fandian)--sited on a slope of Yuan Shan (Round Hill) on Chung Shan North Road above the Keelung River--is one of Taipei's most familiar and famous landmarks. Located in a landscaped area of over 200 acres, its palatial exterior of traditional classical palace-style architecture—clearly influenced by Beijing's Forbidden City [editors note: it is perhaps also influenced by the Zhenzai tower in Guangzhou]—and its bright yellow tile roof (the world's largest Chinese classical style roof) and vermilion columns make it a visible showplace of Chinese architecture and culture. The hotel contains numerous objects d'art, wall panels, paintings and carvings, and significant restaurants. Dragon motifs abound, with perhaps 200,000 intertwined throughout the various structures that make up the hotel. There are also numerous temples on the hill in back of the hotel.
Located on the site of a former Japanese temple, the hotel was established in 1952, while the dominant main building opened in the 1960s. Although the nearby expressway flyovers have led to much more noise, it still has a remarkably tranquil atmosphere—far removed from the noise and chaotic traffic of downtown Taipei.
In 1995, as the hotel was undergoing necessary reconstruction and refurbishment—it had fallen far from its previous standard of excellence—a disastrous fire destroyed its roof and upper stories. It finally fully reopened to the public in June, 1998.
(text by Robert D. Fiala)
Bibliography:
All images copyright 2002 by Professor Robert D. Fiala of Concordia University, Nebraska, USA