So today, we made an unexpected but incredibly meaningful stop on our Taipei adventure. As we were making our way toward the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty Square, we stopped by this serene oasis in the middle of bustling Taipei—228 Peace Memorial Park.

Let me tell you, this place has SUCH powerful energy. Walking through the lush green spaces, I had no idea I was about to get a profound history lesson that would literally give me goosebumps.

This beautiful park isn’t just about pretty landscapes—it honours the victims of what locals call the “February 28 Incident” or simply “228.” Back in 1947, after Taiwan was handed back to the Republic of China following Japanese colonial rule, tensions were HIGH. What started as a simple confrontation between a cigarette vendor and government officials on February 27th sparked massive protests the next day (hence “228”).

The government’s response? Absolutely devastating. They declared martial law and launched a brutal crackdown that resulted in thousands of Taiwanese people losing their lives.

This park feels like Taipei’s way of healing from historical trauma—a place where locals come to reflect, remember, and honour those lost during this dark chapter. Seeing elderly Taiwanese people sitting quietly on benches here hit me right in the feels. You can sense how this history still lives in the collective memory.

What To See at 228 Peace Memorial Park

The park isn’t huge but it packs in SO much meaning. There are these monuments and sculptures scattered throughout that tell pieces of the story—I found myself pausing at each one, reading the plaques and just taking it all in.

If you’re into history, you should check out the Taipei 228 Memorial Museum that’s located right in the park. It documented everything about the 228 Incident and its aftermath through photos and artifacts.

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 heart of the park features the striking 228 Memorial Monument, which quickly caught my attention during my visit. Designed by Taiwanese architect Cheng Tzu-tsai, it has quite an interesting backstory. Cheng was actually convicted of attempted murder in 1970 after trying to assassinate Chiang Ching-kuo, the son of former President Chiang Kai-shek.

Despite this controversial history, the monument stands as his most notable work. What impressed me most was its thoughtful simplicity and powerful symbolism. As I spent time here, I could feel how the design genuinely evokes feelings of grief and remembrance for the victims of the 228 Incident. If you visit, I recommend taking a few quiet moments to appreciate both its artistic merit and historical significance.

Statue of Confucius

The Huang’s Arch of Filial Piety

National Taiwan Museum

Just on Xiangyang Road near the park’s northern entrance, there’s the National Taiwan Museum. Established back in 1908, it’s actually Taiwan’s oldest museum and one of the first in all of East Asia.

The museum houses an impressive collection of over 800,000 artifacts. You’ll find everything from cultural and natural specimens to historical and archaeological materials. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours browsing through the different sections (anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, zoology, etc), which offer a unique window into Taiwan’s rich heritage.

If you’re planning a visit, note that the museum is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday (they’re closed on Mondays and during Chinese New Year’s Eve and Day). At just NT$30 for a standard ticket, it’s definitely worth adding to your Taipei itinerary if you enjoy museums and want to deepen your understanding of Taiwan’s natural and cultural history.

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’re interested in diving deeper into this important historical chapter, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with closures on Mondays and the day after national holidays. For visitors like us, admission is quite reasonable at just NT$20.

Final thoughts

As for my final impressions of 228 Peace Memorial Park – while it’s not packed with activities or attractions, I wouldn’t consider it a must-see destination that requires special planning. That said, I found it to be a lovely surprise during my city wanderings. It’s essentially a green, tranquil sanctuary right in the middle of bustling Taipei. If your travels bring you to this area, it’s absolutely worth taking a short detour to stroll through the peaceful grounds and enjoy some fresh air. I spent about an hour here and found it to be a welcome break from the city’s energetic pace.