228 Peace Memorial Park reflects the history of the February 28 incident and also presents the evolution of Taiwanese culture. It is a famous attraction and a place full of stories and historical relics.
Taipei, Taiwan (Merxwire) – 228 Peace Memorial Park, formerly named Taihoku New Park, is a park located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei City. It covers an area of 76,180 square meters. It is adjacent to the Presidential Office Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taipei Guest House, National Taiwan University Hospital, and other places. This is a leisure place for the people and a park full of historical stories.
The park contains items commemorating the victims of the February 28 incident in 1947, including the 228 Memorial Monument that stands at the center of the park and the Taipei 228 Memorial Museum. In 1935, it was one of the sites used for The Taiwan Exposition: In Commemoration of the First Forty Years of Colonial Rule.
February 28 incident
In 1947, a group of protesters believed that the police’s suppression of Taiwanese people was too violent, so they took over the place and broadcasted it here to accuse the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government. The operation was only part of a series of incidents and is now called the February 28 incident.
Later, as Taiwan’s system became more and more democratized, President Lee Teng-hui formally apologized in 1995. In 1996, the Taipei City Government designated the broadcasting place as a historical building. Two years later, the building became the site of the 228 Memorial Monument, and the park was redesignated as 228 Peace Memorial Park.
The park is built in a traditional style, with Japanese garden landscaping and ponds, arched bridges, walking paths, and an amphitheater. 228 Peace Memorial Park and its surroundings also have many historic sites and artworks, such as the steam railway transportation machine originally used in Taiwan. It is suitable for tourists to come here to learn about the history and cultural evolution.
After visiting the park, you can head to the nearby Taipei Guest House or Presidential Office Building, both of which are historic buildings.
Taipei Guest House
Taipei Guest House is a historic building built-in 1901. It used to be the residence of the Governor of Japan. A total of 16 Governors once lived here. This is not only where they live, but also an office. Since the Japanese government withdrew from Taiwan, the building has not been used for residential purposes. Now it is a hall to receive guests and specializes in celebration activities.
Taipei Guest House has the first Japanese-style garden in Taiwan, and some buildings are Western-style. It is open to the public on specific dates and is usually a place for holding national banquets and entertaining international guests. In recent years, the Taipei Guest House has also hosted charity events and cultural and artistic activities.
Presidential Office Building
Presidential Office Building is adjacent to Taipei Station and Ximending area. The address is No. 122, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City. The building was built during the Japanese occupation and became the residence of the Governor after the completion of the construction in 1919. During World War II, the building was severely damaged by the explosion and was rebuilt in 1946. The building has been used as the presidential mansion after the central government of R.O.C. was re-instated in Taiwan.
If you are visiting Taiwan, please come to 228 Peace Memorial Park, visit 228 Memorial Monument and 228 Memorial Museum, and learn about Taiwan’s stories. Don’t forget to visit the Taipei Guest House, Presidential Office Building, and other attractions.
