McDonald’s in historical residence stirs public debate

A McDonald’s cafe opens in former residence of Chiang Ching-kuo. [Photo/Oriental Morning Post]

Fast food chain McDonald's recently opened a cafe in the main building of the former residence of historical figure Chiang Ching-kuo, former Taiwan leader, setting off public debate.

The historical complex, built in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province in 1931, is a wood and brick villa consisting of two buildings: The main house and a wing building. The latter was rented by coffee chain Starbucks and opened for business more than one month ago. Now the complex has been partitioned and visitors can only enter each of the building separately.

Chiang Ching-kuo, the eldest son of Chiang Kai-shek who was an influential member of the Kuomintang (KMT), the Chinese Nationalist Party, and retreated to Taiwan after the failure of civil war. Chiang Ching-kuo ruled Taiwan during the late 1970s to 1980s and made great contribution to its reunion to mainland.

The commercial move stirred strong public debate, with Internet users having divided feelings over the situation. Some said it is wrong to commercialize historical sites while others said that business can be beneficial to both visitors and the building.

"Those who said the commercial move is wrong should go to the venue and have a look. McDonald’s hasn't changed its architecture, nor has it done any odd decoration. The business protects the site and brings convince to the visitors at the same time," said Weibo user Gen711xuezishi.

"Reasonable development to old architectures is a good thing. The building can lose its value if kept unused," said another with Weibo name Wolaizidong01.