Established in 1952, the Grand Hotel（圓山大飯店）, located in Taipei, is not only one of Taiwan’s top five-star hotels but also a place steeped in history and cultural heritage.
Behind this majestic building lies a long-forgotten underground passage – the Western Secret Path.
Originally designated as an emergency evacuation route, the Western Secret Path was opened to visitors only in 2019 and has since become one of the Grand Hotel’s popular attractions.
Now, let’s unveil the mysterious veil of the Western Secret Path together and embark on this journey rich in history and mystery.
*Cover image credit: @0123dada
Transportation Information
Visitors wishing to explore the Grand Hotel can take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Yuanshan Station [R14]. From there, they can transfer to the Grand Hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus.
Simply exit from Exit 1 of Yuanshan MRT Station and proceed straight for 100 meters. You will find a small bus stop sign on the left side of Yuanshanjieyunxianxing Park（圓山捷運線形公園）.
Complimentary Shuttle Bus Departure Times：
| 06:40 | 10:40 | 14:40 | 18:10 | 21:30 |
| 07:10 | 11:10 | 15:10 | 18:30 | 21:50 |
| 07:40 | 11:30 | 15:30 | 18:50 | 22:10 |
| 08:10 | 11:50 | 15:50 | 19:10 | 22:25 |
| 08:30 | 12:10 | 16:10 | 19:30 | 22:45 |
| 08:50 | 12:30 | 16:30 | 19:50 | 23:05 |
| 09:10 | 12:50 | 16:50 | 20:10 | |
| 09:40 | 13:10 | 17:10 | 20:30 | |
| 10:10 | 13:40 | 17:30 | 20:50 | |
| 14:10 | 17:50 | 21:10 |
Operating Hours
Guided tours are available at 10:00, 13:30, 14:30, and 15:30.
Grand Hotel Taipei
Established in 1952 by Madam Chiang, Soong Mei-ling, the Grand Hotel is Taiwan’s first five-star hotel.
Situated halfway up Yuanshan and nestled against Yangmingshan, it offers stunning vistas of the Keelung River, Songshan, and Danshui.
The 14-story building, adorned with red columns and golden tiles, boasts a grand and timeless elegance, making it one of Taipei’s representative landmarks.
Looking to experience the classical beauty of Chinese culture with a night’s stay at the Grand Hotel?
Tour Itinerary
Lobby Ground Floor（大廳落地門）
The journey begins at the lobby’s ground floor entrance of the Grand Hotel.
This entrance, adorned with magnificent glass windows, holds rich historical tales within.
Upon careful observation of the patterns on the door, you’ll notice the six ancient characters “Long live the Republic of China,” symbolizing the hotel’s historical significance.
Plum Blossom Ceiling（梅花藻井）
Next, we will proceed to admire the plum blossom-shaped coffered ceiling in the lobby.
Symbolizing “Five Fortunes Arriving at the Door,” the combination of plum blossoms, golden dragons, and phoenixes represents good fortune and success.
Each detail holds deep cultural meanings, deserving of close attention.
Grand Vase Flowers（大缸花）
Situated at the lobby’s heart, the Grand Vase Flowers exhibit a captivating floral scene.
With around 250 orchids housed within, this display features varying varieties annually, portraying the hotel’s liveliness and allure.
Cultural Corridor（文化走廊）
We’ll then visit the Cultural Corridor, where the rich history of the Grand Hotel is exhibited.
From its construction, development, to evolution, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this iconic establishment.
The corridor also displays traces of numerous world leaders and celebrities who have visited, allowing you to feel the hotel’s historical grandeur.
Century Golden Dragon（百年金龍）
The Century Golden Dragon is a mysterious attraction, originally a relic from the Japanese colonial era Taiwan Shrine, now revered by visitors.
The fountain here has formed a distinctive wishing pool, allowing you to not only pray for blessings but also feel the depth of history.
Western Secret Path（西密道）
Now, we’ll embark on the mysterious journey through the Western Secret Path.
This underground passage, originally designated for emergency evacuation of national leaders, spans 85 meters and is illuminated by 52 explosion-proof lamps, ensuring brightness and safety.
At the entrance, there is a 20-meter-long cement slide, one of the world’s longest, designed for emergency evacuation.
Visitors will then walk along the cement-paved path to the exit, which is guarded by a second metal door, ensuring guest safety.
Throughout this journey, you’ll experience the weight of history and the mysterious atmosphere.
Currency Wall（貨布牆）
At last, we’ll reach the Currency Wall, a unique exhibit that traces the historical journey of the Grand Hotel.
Currency circulated during the late Western Han Dynasty and is regarded as a symbol of financial prosperity.
To honor this legacy, the hotel has crafted a display wall measuring 400 centimeters in height and 209 centimeters in width.
It showcases 374 currencies shaped like ancient coins, leaving a lasting imprint on the hotel’s history.
In conclusion, the Western Secret Path of the Grand Hotel is not only a mysterious underground passage but also a journey rich in history and cultural heritage.
Visitors can experience the luxury and elegance of the Grand Hotel here while delving into its historical stories and cultural significance.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an adventurous traveler, the Western Secret Path promises to be an unforgettable attraction, adding delightful memories to your Taipei journey.
Additionally, besides the Western Secret Path, the Eastern Secret Path was also opened in 2021, which we will introduce next time.
And now, let’s embark on this exploration of the Western Secret Path together!
Tickets are now available for purchase at just $400. But that’s not all – with each ticket purchase, you’ll also receive a complimentary $200 voucher for the Garden Café.
Indulge in delicious treats and beverages while recounting the mysteries you’ve uncovered during your underground adventure. Purchasing tickets is easy and convenient.
Now, click the link below to purchase your tickets:
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity.
Hurry and experience the mysterious journey of the Western Secret Path firsthand!
