Yangmingshan, a national park just outside of Taipei, is easily accessible, filled with mountains and perfect if you want to get out of the city and get some fresh mountain air. But many people might not realize there is one more good reason to go up there—to visit the residences of the late eminent writer Lin Yu-tang and late President Chiang Kai-shek. Lin Yu-tang was born on October 10 in 1895 in Longxi (Zhangzhou) County, Fujien Province. Lin is the author of a number of notable collections including My Country and My People, The Importance of Living, Moment in Peking, Leaf in the Storm, The Vermilion Gate, The Wisdom of Laotse, and The Gay Genius: The Life and Times of Su Tungpo. This house was the government's gift and was designed by Lin himself. The villa with white walls and indigo roof represents a unique architecture of mixing the Chinese style of a quadrangle courtyard surrounded by four houses with Spanish architecture. The furniture and setout are said to remain the same as before Lin died in 1976 to reflect his lifestyle. The balcony was a place Lin often went before his death. After dinner, Lin liked to sit near the table on the rattan chair, with a smoking pipe in his mouth, appreciating the evening glow from the setting sun. The opening hour is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Monday), and the entrance fee is NT$30. The address is No.141, Sec. 2, Yand-de Blvd., Taipei City. Further up the mountains is the Grass Mountain Chateau, which was originally the guest house of Taiwan Sugar Corporation, and had hosted the Crown Prince-Michi-no-mia Hirohito (who later became Emperor Showa) during the Japanese occupation era. In 1949 the R.O.C. government moved to Taiwan and the then President Chiang Kai-shek moved in. Located at a strategic highpoint in Yangmingshan, the chateau overlooks the landscape of the Keelung River, Tamsui River, the Guandu Plain and Shezi Island. The chateau sits on a lot of 4,275 square meters. The main strcuture is a typical Japanese style building in 1920, with an area of 584 square meters. The interior space of the main chateau was designed and separated into the main hallway, main hall, reception room, study room, bedroom, master bedroom, living room, guest room, kitchen, courtyard and terrace. Around the main chateau, there are four subsidiary buildings, which originally the residence of Chiang’s retinues were changed into artists' studios by Taipei City Government as seen today after the chateau went up in flames in 2007. The chateau, located at No.89, Hudi Rd., Beitou Dist., Taipei City, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Monday), and the admission is NT$30. Further up is Yangmingshuwu, formerly known as the Zhongxing Guesthouse. Yangmingshuwu was built during 1969 and 1970. It was originally used by Chiang for receiving foreign guests and as a summer home. Tourist information and guided tours are available. Yangmingshuwu lies on approximately 15 hectares of land and is located on Zhongxing Road, not far from the flower clock. In the past, the residence was heavily guarded whenever Chiang was present. Yangmingshuwu, located at No. 12 Zhongxing Road, Yangmingshan, opens daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but is closed on the last Monday of every month. Admission is NT$80.