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Commemorates the 228 incident that occurred on February 28, 1947, in which locals revolting against Chinese rule were brutally massacred by the Kuomintang. This incident continues to be a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day.
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二二八和平公園
This park is on the north side of Katagalan Boulevard and the MRT station 'National Taiwan University Hospital' on the Danshui line. The park was founded by the Japanese in 1907 as New Park (新公園). The name was changed in 1996 to commemorate those killed in the 228 Incident of 28 February 1947, in which locals revolting against Chinese rule were brutally massacred by the ruling Kuomintang under Chiang Kai-shek. The park is popular with practitioners of taichi and senior citizens playing Chinese chess. The National Taiwan Museum marks the northern entrance to the park.
國立台灣博物館
This museum is in 'Peace Park' (near Taipei Main Station) in a splendid Baroque and Renaissance style building. Opened in 1899, it was Taiwan's first museum and focuses on anthropology and the fauna and flora of the island.
總統府
It was built during the Japanese colonial period as the residence of the Governor-General of Taiwan. It is now the official workplace of the President of the Republic of China. Public access is generally restricted to specific open house days which are published on the web-site.
國家戲劇院 and 國家音樂廳
Located in the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, it is an excellent place to see performances of a Taiwanese play or a dance troupe. They also host many international events. Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra performs at the National Concert Hall. The building's neo-classic Chinese architecture is especially stunning when flood-lit at night.
中山堂
The buildings were completed in the period of Japanese rule on December 26, 1936. In 1945, The former Taipei City Hall was renamed as Zhongshan Hall. In 1992, the building has been identified to Second monuments of the country. Later it was assigned as a cultural space that hosts cultural and art events.
中正紀念堂
The memorial hall is a famous but controversial symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China, as expected of its namesake. Every morning, at 06:00 in the summer and 06:30 in the winter, the nation's flag is raised in the square in front of the memorial. The huge courtyard serves as a place for both national celebrations as well as a platform to voice one's disapproval of the government. The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony. Downstairs, there is a museum. One exhibit is of Chiang's life, complete with his cars and uniforms. The other exhibit is on life under Chiang's rule, focusing on martial law and the suppression of speech and political opposition. Even if you are not into memorials, the gardens, with their Chinese-style ponds, are definitely worth a visit. The grounds of the memorial are also a favorite place for locals to gather and practice martial arts, though you'll have to be there early if you want to see this. Most people begin their work-out at around sunrise, and will have left for the office before 08:00.