228 Peace Memorial Holiday is a holiday to remember the February 28 Incident in 1947, which was a massacre against the Taiwanese by the ruling KMT. It is a day to remember that Taiwan was not always a free democracy and that we should be grateful for the sacrifices of others who helped to bring the civil liberties, transitional justice, and democratic institutions that we now enjoy. In this guide, we will tell you the importance of this holiday, how it is celebrated in Taiwan, and also provide a list of historically important places that can help you appreciate the history of this holiday even more.
You can check out our guide to the National 228 Memorial Museum here, or our blog on the 228 Heping Peace Memorial Park here.
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When is the 228 Peace Memorial Day Holiday in Taiwan?
February 28th every year.
If the holiday falls on a weekend, usually there will be a makeup holiday on the prior Friday or the following Monday.
February 28th Incident: Origins and Significance of the 228 Peace Memorial Holiday
This holiday’s significance lies in remembering the February 28 Incident, a tragic event in Taiwan’s history, and honoring the victims. The holiday also represents Taiwan’s efforts toward historical reflection, justice, and reconciliation.
The February 28 Incident was a major political uprising in Taiwan sparked by public anger over corruption, economic hardship, and political discrimination under the Kuomintang (KMT) government. It began when government agents violently cracked down on an illegal cigarette vendor, triggering mass protests. The KMT responded with military force, leading to widespread massacres, martial law, and the suppression of local elites. The incident deepened ethnic divisions and ushered in decades of political repression known as the White Terror and one of the world’s longest periods of martial law, during which time thousands of innocent civilians were sent to prison or executed. For years, discussion of the event was taboo, but from the 1980s onward, efforts for truth, reconciliation, and memorialization have taken place.
History of Peace Memorial Day in Taiwan
Peace Memorial Day, also known as the 228 Peace Memorial Day, is a national holiday in Taiwan commemorating the February 28, 1947, 228 Incident. It was legislated as a Memorial Day in 1995 and became a legally designated national holiday in 1997. The decision to make it a public holiday was met with debates over economic impact and national competitiveness, leading to discussions on adjusting national holidays and implementing a two-day weekend policy. Despite attempts to revoke its status as a public holiday by the KMT and pan-blue camps (who would rather forget this part of history), it remains a legally recognized national holiday in Taiwan.
What do people do on 228 Peace Memorial Day in Taiwan?
Typically, there are no special traditions that most people follow on 228 Peace Memorial Day. In general, people are meant to ponder historical events such as the February 28th incident and Taiwan’s White Terror, as well as think about justice and reconciliation. However, to be honest, in real life, most Taiwanese people may not understand or think very hard about this holiday.
Here is a short list of activities on 228 Peace Memorial Day in Taiwan.
Raising Flags at Half-mast
Flags at schools and government institutions are raised at half mast throughout the country to remember the victims of the 228 incident and White Terror.
Remembering History: Visiting Historical Locations
On 228 Peace Memorial Day, most people will not be sitting at home thinking about historical events. However, some people choose to visit historically important locations such as the National 228 Memorial Museum, the 228 Heping Peace Memorial Park, Green Island, and more. Here is a list of locations you can visit to learn more about the history and importance of 228 Peace Memorial Day:
National 228 Memorial Museum
Taiwan’s 228 Museum commemorates the 228 incident and surrounding history, including the martyrs, victims, and hardships they went through. It is one of the best places to learn about one of the most important events in Taiwan’s history and learn about how Taiwan’s authoritarian past and struggle for freedom have shaped the present. The best part is it’s free. Above you can see the Wall of Shih Ju-chen, who hid here for 18 years before dying of Jaundice.
Check out our full guide to the 228 memorial museum here.
Address:
Price: Free
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.
228 Heping Peace Memorial Park
228 Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to the victims of the February 28 massacre of antigovernmental protestors not long after the KMT took control of Taiwan, and features a large memorial. Protesters attempted to take control of the former radio station here to spread information, but government forces used it to broadcast anti-protester propaganda. The National Taiwan Museum also sits at the entrance to the park. Located in downtown Taipei, it is easily accessible, and you can spend an entire afternoon here. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei.
Check out our full guide to 228 Peace Memorial Park here.
Address:
Hours: 24/7
Green Island
Green Island White Terror Memorial Park 白色恐怖綠島紀念園區 on Green Island served as a penal colony for political prisoners during the martial law era of Taiwan, which lasted from the late 9140s to the late 1980s. Some prisoners went on to help form the Democratic Progressive Party. The prison is now open to the public.
Check out our full guide to Green Island here.
Address:
Price: Free
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
October to April: Closed Mondays.
Luku Incident Memorial 鹿窟事件紀念碑
The Luku Incident Memorial is a reflective arch statue in Shiding District of New Taipei that commemorates what is known as “the largest political event of the nation’s White Terror era.” The incident involved two brothers who had started a communist party holdout in the mountains of Shiding. The resulting response, from the then martial law-era ROC government under Dictator Chiang Kai-Shek, was thousands of police officers arresting hundreds of innocent people, with many of the people being falsely imprisoned and executed…(read more)
Address:
Hours: 24/7
White Terror Victim Monument 白色恐怖政治受難者紀念碑
The White Terror Memorial is on the west end of Jieshou Park near the Presidential Office building. It is a small memorial with a tower and a list of victims during the White Terror period. It is also a short walk from 228 Peace Memorial Park.
Address: Ketagalan Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
Hours: 24/7
Taipei Liuzhangli Cemetery (六張犁墓地)
Liuzhangli Cemetery served as a burial ground for political prisoners executed during the White Terror, especially for bodies of victims who could not be identified. The area also provides amazing views of Wenshan and Xinyi Districts. Nearby you can also find many hiking trails. It is a great place for a bike ride or hike if you are not afraid of ghosts.
Check out our full blog on Liuzhangli Cemetary here.
Address: No. 130, Lane 159, Muzhao Road Section 4, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116
Hours: 24/7
Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park (白色恐怖景美紀念園區)
Formerly a military court and detention center for political prisoners during the White Terror period, this building has now been transformed into a human rights memorial and museum.
Address: No. 131, Fuxing Rd, Xindian District, New Taipei City, 231
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays
Taipei Tianma Tea House (天馬茶房)
Near this location, government officers assaulted an illegal cigarette vendor on February 27, 1947, triggering the protests that led to the uprising. Now there is a memorial plaque on the sidewalk in front of the old tea house location.
Address: No. 189, Nanjing W Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, 103
Hours: 24/7 (memorial plaque)
Badu Railway Station 八堵車站
Badu Station was one site that saw anti-government protests in March 1947, attacking KMT army servicemen, who retaliated with lethal force, killing five to eight people. Now there is a memorial to the 228 incident outside of the station.
Address: No. 142, Badu Rd, Nuannuan District, Keelung City, 205
Hours: 24/7
Hsinchu City 228 Memorial 新竹市二二八紀念碑
A small memorial to the 228 incident in Hsinchu.
Address: No. 36, Fuhou St, East District, Hsinchu City, 300
Hours: 24/7
Yilan 228 Memorial – Mirror of History 宜蘭二二八紀念館-歷史之澄鏡
The memorial consists of 16 tall black glass panels (each nearly 3 meters high), inscribed with the names and details of the victims from Yilan who lost their lives during the 228 Incident. The reflective glass was meant to serve as a “mirror” to history, encouraging visitors to see themselves in the context of the past and reflect on the importance of justice and remembrance.
Address: No. 755, Section 1, Zhongshan Rd, Yilan City, Yilan County, 260
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
Taichung 228 Memorial Park 臺中228紀念公園
Taichung was another area that saw widespread protests and a lethal crackdown from the KMT in the aftermath of the February 27th incident. Now Taichung has its own peace memorial park which includes a large stone monument.
Address: No. 37, Qizhong Rd, East District, Taichung City, 401
Hours: 24/7
Dali 228 Square 二二八廣場
A memorial with stone statues and names of victims during the February 28th Incident.
Address: No. 43, Xingda S St, Dali District, Taichung City, 412
Hours: 24/7
228 Incident Wuniulan Battle Monument 二二八事件烏牛欄戰役紀念碑
On March 7, 1947, the “27 Brigade,” led by Xie Xuehong and others, was formed in Taichung and later moved to Puli, renaming itself the “Taiwan Democratic United Army.” They seized key locations, including government offices and power plants, and engaged in battles with government forces. On March 16, in the Wuniulan Battle, student fighters led by Huang Jindao made a last stand but, overwhelmed by superior firepower, were forced to disband. This marked one of the final battles of the 228 Incident, and in 2004, Nantou County erected a memorial at Ailan Bridge to commemorate the event.
Address: Near No. 1-1, Taonan Rd, Puli Township, Nantou County, 545
Hours: 24/7
Yunlin County 228 Memorial Park 雲林縣二二八紀念公園
A park with a large stone statue commemorating the February 28th Incident.
Address: Provincial Highway 3, Gukeng Township, Yunling County, 646 (near Gukeng Green Tunnel)
Hours: 24/7
Tainan 228 Memorial Park 台南市二二八紀念公園
Small park with large arched statues commemorating the 228 incident.
Address: Jianping Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, 708
Hours: 24/7
Tainan City 228 Incident and Peace Memorial Park 臺南市二二八事件和平紀念公園
Another peace memorial park with a large statue in Xinying District of Tainan.
Address: No. 380, Sanxing St, Xinying District, Tainan City, 730
Hours: 24/7
228 National Memorial Park 二二八國家紀念公園
A very large park, officially the National 228 Memorial Park, with a big grassy area and gardens. Chiayi was also home to clashes between the KMT and protestors in the wake of the 228 incident.
Address: Dafu Rd, West District, Chiayi City, 600
Hours: 24/7
Chiayi 228 Memorial Park (First in Taiwan)嘉義市228紀念碑(全台第一座)
A small park in Chiayi that happens to be the first 228 memorial park in Taiwan.
Address: No. 695, Section 2, Daya Rd, East District, Chiayi City, 600
Hours: 24/7
Kaohsiung Museum of History 高雄市立歷史博物館
In the aftermath of the February 28th incident, there were also anti-government protests and lethal clashes at Kaohsiung City Hall (now the Kaohsiung Museum of History) and Kaohsiung Station, with multiple fatalities at the station and other locations in the city such as Kaohsiung Junior High School. Now there is a 228 memorial at the museum.
Address: No. 272, Zhongzheng 4th Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, 803
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays
Kaohsiung 228 Peace Memorial Park 二二八和平紀念公園
Small park just across the street from the Kaohsiung Museum of History.
Address: No. 272, Zhongzheng 4th Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, 803
Hours: 24/7
Shoushan 228 Peace Memorial Park 壽山二二八和平紀念公園
Small park with a small stone statue commemorating the 228 incident near Monkey Mountain.
Address: Wanshou Rd, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, 804
Hours: 24/7
Pingtung City 228 Memorial 屏東市二二八紀念碑
A small stone memorial tablet inside Pingtung Park near Ahou City Gate. Pingtung was also home to clashes between the KMT and protestors in the wake of the 228 incident.
Address: No. 113, Zhonghua Rd, Pingtung City, Pingtung County, 900
Hours: 24/7
Taitung 228 Peace Memorial Park 台東市二二八紀念公園
A small grassy park in Taitung. Taitung was also home to clashes between the KMT and protestors in the wake of the 228 incident.
Address: No. 6, Alley 16, Lane 313, Xingsheng Road, Taitung City, 950
Hours: 24/7
If we missed any historical monuments related to 228, please let us know in the comments.
Traveling, shopping, Visiting Family, etc.
228 is after all a national holiday so workers have a day off or extended weekend off to travel, including international travel, as well as shop, visit family, eat out at restaurants, see movies, etc. Often times families may travel to enjoy time together. If there is an extended three-day weekend, expect heavier-than-normal traffic and increased hotel rates.
Map of 228 Peace Memorial Locations Throughout Taiwan:
Again, one of the best things you can do during the 228 Peace Memorial Holiday is visit one of the many historical sites around Taiwan related to the events around February 28th, 1947, or the White Terror period. See below for a full map of 228 related locations.
Tips For Travelling During the 228 Peace Memorial Day Holiday in Taiwan:
- During a three-day weekend, the airports can be packed, and flights will usually be more expensive.
- During a three-day weekend, roads will be jammed going south on the first day and jammed going north on the last day.
- During a three-day weekend, it may be hard to book train tickets during the holiday.
- During a three-day weekend, hotels will be more expensive than normal. Every day will be like a Saturday night price.
- Camping spots should stay the same price.
- Tourist spots may be packed with people.
- If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, then expect roads, airports, and tourist spots to be less packed and hotels less expensive.
My Experience as a Foreigner During 228 Peace Memorial Day in Taiwan:
While writing this blog I asked my Taiwanese co-worker what the 228 Peace Memorial Day Holiday meant. She said it is a peace holiday, but peace from what? The end of the Sino-Japanese War? Sadly I feel that like my co-worker, many other Taiwanese people have little to no idea what the holiday is or why it is celebrated, don’t think about it, or just don’t care. Hopefully, this blog can help change that?
Luckily for me, as a travel-oriented foreigner, I have run across many historical locations related to the 228 incident such as the Green Island White Terror Memorial Park 白色恐怖綠島紀念園區 pictured above, which has given me a deeper appreciation of the hardships that many innocent people had to suffer during the White Terror. If any of you have time or interest, I strongly suggest you check out the list of historical sites and memorials listed above.
To me, 228 is similar to Martin Luther King Day or Veteran’s Day in the USA. It is a time to remember and reflect on our nation’s past history and the sacrifices that have been made for justice and democracy. By making such a holiday, the Taiwanese government is basically saying that we respect democracy and hope that people will not go back to tyranny and militarism. Obviously, this part of history can be painful for the KMT, whose party was often the perpetrator of many terrible acts against innocent civilians and protesters, and it is clear to see why some in the KMT would want to get rid of this holiday and forget about this part of Taiwan’s history. Luckily, most people in the KMT and the government are sensible enough to reject this part of their past and try to change the future for the betterment of Taiwan. However, sadly, there are others in the KMT who would be happy to sell our hard-fought democracy to Chinese Communists.
I think the biggest message from this holiday is to make sure nothing like this happens in Taiwan ever again. Let’s all remember this part of Taiwan’s past so that we will never repeat it again in the future.
Thanks for reading! For more festivals and activities in Taiwan, check out our full Taiwan Festival Guide here.
