Grass Mountain Chateau

Originally known as Caoshan (literally “Grass Mountain”), Yangmingshan is laden with lush greenery and can be one of the favorite spots of urban dwellers who suffer from “nature deprivation.” Tucked away on the mountain slope, Grass Mountain Chateau was first established in the early 1920s and served as a guesthouse belonging to Taiwan Sugar Corporation during the Japanese Colonial Era.

Back in 1949, Grass Mountain Chateau was also Chiang Kai-shek’s first home in Taiwan, which makes it the very first presidential residence in Taiwan. In 1950, in order to commemorate the celebrated Chinese philosopher Wang Yang-ming, Grass Mountain was therefore changed to the present name, "Yangmingshan."

Around the main chateau, there are four subsidiary buildings that were reserved for then-President Chiang’s retinues. After his death, Grass Mountain Chateau went into severe decline until the government decided to renovate such a historical asset. Today, the main chateau has been converted into an art exhibition hall, while the four others are now artists’ studios. For locals and tourists alike, Grass Mountain Chateau is very well worth a visit as it is both historically and culturally fascinating. During your escape to Yangmingshan from the chaos of urban living, be sure to swing by Grass Mountain Chateau for a nice cup of tea in the most natural setting possible.