The Chiang Kai-shek's residence in Shilin has always been a popular tourist spot. The main chamber, where former president Chiang and his wife Soong May-ling lived, will be opened to the public. It's estimated that 820 people will be allowed per day. The trial period will last for the first six months, and visitors will be en

The main chamber of Shihlin Chiang Kai-shek Official Residence is opened for the first time ever in the afternoon.

Early in the morning, a long line of people was waiting to get a number ticket, which was distributed at 9 o'clock sharp.

On the first day when the residence is opened for visitors, only 260 number tickets were available, which were given out in 30 minutes.

Some people were disappointed as they came from Yunlin on tour bus and didn't get a ticket.

The Shihlin official resident has always been a popular tourist destination in Taipei City. But the main chamber, which Chiang Kai-shek and his wife lived, was never opened to the public in the past 60 years.

This morning, President Ma Ying-jeou and Taipei City Mayor Hau Long-bin witnessed the official opening of the establishment.

According to the Cultural Bureau of Taipei City, since Soong Mei-ling passed away in 2003, maintenance staff have been hired.

Starting from 2006, the architecture of the main chamber has been repaired and restored.

The total maintenance and restoration project costs 116 million NTD, which attempts to restore the looks when Chiang and Soong were living in the residence.

The bureau says the trial period lasts until June. During the period, visitors are en

In January, ticket numbers will be given to visitors waiting on-site.

From February, advance booking online or by phone will be available.

It's estimated that 820 visitors are allowed each day.