The 2-28 Peace Cenotaph at Providence University

In 1997, faculty members at Providence University spearheaded a plan to plant a group of trees indigenous to Taiwan in a campus courtyard in honor of victims of the 2-28 Incident. The trees were planted two rows with 28 seedlings in each row to symbolize the date. The four sides of the courtyard represent the four major ethnic groups in Taiwan and also symbolize mutual understanding and sympathy. In the photo, a sculpture of a phoenix sits at the entrance to the School of Literature, symbolizing the rebirth of the Taiwanese, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The Taichung City 2-28 Cenotaph

Each side of this cenotaph, which is located at the Dongfeng Park in Taichung City, is sculpted in the shape of the Chinese numbers for 2, 2, and 8. This piece, which symbolizes the tragic events of 2-28, is an artistic achievement and even catches the attention of passersby at far distances. Under the Chinese character for ‘ 8' are relief sculptures of three people, who show traces of past sorrow and grief but accept their loss, bravely looking forward to peace and prosperity.

The Taichung County Dali 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph

This cenotaph, in the shape of a lotus blossom made of stainless steel, symbolizes love and compassion. The cenotaph is decorated with “oragami” cranes made of stainless steel, representing peace. At the top of the structure, a sweet potato vine climbs up a lightening rod. Surrounding the structure is a large plaza with a green area that accommodates around 2,000 people. The memorial platform serves as an "Altar of Thought," as well as a rounded platform for musical performances. The entire space has the feeling of an outdoor Greek amphitheatre. The lotus blossom has a stainless steel wall that allows sound to carry to all corners of the plaza. In the evening, lights reflecting from the wall illuminate the entire lotus blossom, conveying a sense of purity, in memory of the brave spirits of the 2-28 Incident.

Gukeng 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph

Located at a cemetery in Kanjiao Village, Gukeng Township, this cenotaph marks the first place in Taiwan where the remains of 2-28 victims were found.

Chiayi City 2-28 Peace Park Cenotaph

This cenotaph is made of reinforced concrete, and is entitled “A Memorial for Souls.” It is made in the shape of the bamboo mouth organ used by the Paiwan tribe. The monotone sounds from this mouth organ are serene, with a soothing sustain– the structure invokes the sounds of Paiwan music to ease the pain of history. In the center of the structure stand musical reeds made of stainless steel, with wind chimes embedded in the center. The wind chimes produce melodious sounds with the blowing of the wind. Next to the chimes stands a bronze sculpture with inlays depicting rice paddies and sweet potatoes, the staple crops of central Taiwan.

In the center stand four spotted deer (pictured) drinking water together, representing the four major ethnic groups of Taiwan, conveying a sense of security and harmony as they live and prosper together. Another bronze sculpture at the cenotaph depicts a set of tragic events that occurred in Chiayi during 2-28. This work aims to remind later generations to remember the lessons of history and work to rid humanity of ignorance and prejudice, using love and wisdom to prevent further tragedy. On top of the totem sculpture is a dove carrying a child, symbolizing everlasting peace.

Chiayi City 2-28 Cenotaph on Mituo Rd

This cenotaph, the first in Taiwan to commemorate the 2-28 Incident, bears a memorial plaque commemorating the event, with '1947' and ‘2 -28' carved into each side of the structure. The cenotaph's curved pyramid shape is meant to symbolize the sublimation of emotions from 2-28. The base of the structure bears the symbol of the public justice and peace movement. The structure was built in 1989.

The Ali Mountain 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph

In honor of the victims of the 2-28 Incident, the Ali Mountain Township erected this memorial on February 28, 1996. The cenotaph was inspired by the Mituo Road memorial in Chiayi. This cenotaph stands at the highest elevation of all 2-28 memorials in Taiwan.