The 228 Peace Memorial Park is a historic site and municipal park located in Taipei. The park is at a walking distance from other important sites such as Liberty Square, the Presidential Office, and Ximending. It is dedicated to the victims of the February 28 Incident of 1947 and serves as a reminder of the past for the people of Taiwan. The park is a symbol of peace and hope for a better future.
History
The park has a long and storied history, dating back to the Japanese colonial period when it was established as Taihoku New Park. During this time, the park was the site of the first European-style urban park in Taiwan and the location of the Governor-General’s Office. In 1930, a radio station was established at the site, which became the center of broadcast activity for Taiwan. After the handover of Taiwan from Japan to the Republic of China in 1945, the station became the primary broadcast organ of the Kuomintang government and military.
February 28 Incident
The February 28 Incident was a series of events that took place in Taipei in 1947 and resulted in a brutal crackdown by the Nationalist government. A group of protesters, angry over a brutal police action against Taiwanese civilians, took over the radio station located at the park and used it to broadcast accusations against the Kuomintang government. The subsequent crackdown by the Nationalist government resulted in the period of White Terror in Taiwan.
In 1996, the Taipei City Government designated the former radio station building a historical site and two years later, the building was made the home of the Taipei 228 Memorial Museum. The park was rededicated as the 228 Peace Memorial Park, in honor of the victims of the February 28 Incident.
What you can find in the park
While relatively small in comparison of the nearby Daan Park, the 228 Peace Memorial Park is richer in artistic statues and historical monuments.
228 Memorial Monument
In the park, visitors can find the 228 Memorial Monument, which stands at the center of the park and serves as a symbol of peace and hope for a better future.
Taipei 228 Memorial Museum
Housed in the former radio station building, the museum provides a detailed history of the February 28 Incident and the events leading up to it.
National Taiwan Museum
Located at the park’s north entrance, National Taiwan Museum provides a rich cultural and historical background of Taiwan. You can read more about it in the following article : National Taiwan Museum.
Cui Heng Pagoda
On the west side of the park you will find a little pond with a Chinese style Cui Heng Pagoda (翠亨閣) in the center. The pagoda was built to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the founding father of Republic of China. chins
Two Qing Dynasty Memorial Archways
The first archway honors a widow who, after her husband’s untimely death, devoted herself solely to raising her children rather than remarrying. The second archway honors a Taiwanese philanthropist who made a significant contribution of both land and funds to construct an imperial examination center in Taipei, offering local residents an easier path to take the test. Before his gift, residents in the northern part of Taiwan were required to travel to Tainan for the examination.
A Gay Cruising Spot
If you take a stroll through the park, especially after dark, you will likely come across several elderly men sitting solo on benches, gathering near ponds or restrooms. For many years, the park has been a well-known cruising area for the gay community, although it is now mostly frequented by older men. If you are a man walking alone in the park at night, it is not uncommon to receive advances from others.
In conclusion, the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei is a rich and historic site that serves as a symbol of peace and hope for the future. With its various monuments and museums, it provides a comprehensive look at Taiwan’s history, including the February 28 Incident and its aftermath. The park is conveniently located near other important sites in Taipei and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Taiwan.
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