We stopped by 228 Peace Memorial Park on our way to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty Square. It is a historical and cultural park dedicated to the victims of the February 28 Incident, a period of political repression and violence that occurred in Taiwan in 1947 after the Republic of China (ROC) government reclaimed control of the island from Japan at the end of World War II.

The violence was sparked by an incident in Taipei on February 27, 1947, in which a dispute between a cigarette vendor and government officials escalated into a riot. The ROC government responded by declaring martial law and launching a brutal crackdown on the Taiwanese population, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people.

There are a number of monuments, sculptures, and landscaped gardens at 228 Peace Memorial Park, as well as a museum (Taipei 228 Memorial Museum) that documents the events of the 228 Incident and its aftermath. Though it is not a large park, there are a few things to see, especially if you are interested in Taiwan’s history.

The park is bordered by Xiangyang Road, Huaining Street, Ketagalan Boulevard and Gongyuan Road and is within walking distance from other places of interest like Ximending, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Presidential Office Building.

How to get to 228 Peace Memorial Park

Take the MRT (red line) to NTU Hospital Station (R09). When you exit at Exit 1, you’ll see the park.

228 Memorial Monument

The 228 Memorial Monument stands at the centre of the park. It was designed by Taiwanese architect Cheng Tzu-tsai, who was convicted of attempted murder in 1970 after attempting to assassinate Chiang Ching-kuo, the only son of former President Chiang Kai-shek.

The monument is considered one of his most notable works. It is also praised for its simplicity and powerful symbolism. The design is intended to evoke feelings of grief, loss and the remembrance of the victims of the 228 Incident.

Statue of Confucius

The Huang’s Arch of Filial Piety

National Taiwan Museum

The National Taiwan Museum is located on Xiangyang Road, near the park’s northern entrance. Established in 1908, it is the oldest museum in Taiwan and one of the first museums in East Asia. The museum’s collection includes over 800,000 artifacts, including cultural and natural specimens, as well as historical and archaeological materials. The collection is divided into several categories, including anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, and zoology.

The museum is open from 9.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays, Chinese New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year’s Day. Each standard ticket costs NT$30.

Big tree opposite the 228 Memorial Monument

Cui Heng Chamber

We happened to catch this fountain show near the pagoda. With all of the changing lights and music, it was quite entertaining. 🙂

The park also has the Peace Bell, Peace Sculpture, Dragon Pond, Japanese Colonial Era Radio Station and other features.

Taipei 228 Memorial Museum

228 Peace Memorial Park is regarded as a significant symbol of Taiwanese history and culture. It also serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for the victims and families of the February 28 Incident. If you want to learn more about it, go to the Taipei 228 Memorial Museum, which is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. They are closed on Mondays and the day after national holidays. Non-residents pay NT$20 for a standard ticket.

Final thoughts

Because there isn’t much to see or do at this park, you don’t have to go out of your way to visit it. However, if you happen to be walking around the city and happen to be in the area, stop by this park, which is like a green, tranquil, and peaceful oasis in the middle of a busy city. Wonderful spot for taking a stroll and getting some fresh air.