【Introduction】
Construction began on the building in 1899, the 32nd year of Emperor Meiji and was completed in 1901. The mansion then served as Governor-General's Residence. In 1912, because of significant damage caused by termites, the mansion was rebuilt, and the project was directed by Japanese architect Matsunosuke Moriyama. After Taiwan’s retrocession, the mansion served as the official residence for the governor of Taiwan Province. Later it was once used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ln 1950, the mansion was officially renamed "Taipei Guest House.". Since then, it has become a venue for receiving international dignitaries, where state banquets, national conferences, and other cultural activities are held.
The building of Taipei Guest House is characterized by its late Renaissance style, where the roof is designed with two slopes on each of its sides together with the exterior pediment and supporting pillars. The interior features wood-paneled floors, Victorian ceramic tiles for fireplaces, and ornately decorated walls and columns. The building stands facing south, with a western style fountain in the front. Through the central gate entering a vast entrance hall, ground floor reception rooms are located in the two wings. The grand stairs on the side of the room goes to the second floor, where a parlor, a study room, governor’s bedroom, and other private spaces are located. At the east end of the third floor is an overhanging lookout for guarding purposes. Around the 1920s, a Japanese style annex house was built on the west side, connected by corridors to the main building. The Japanese Governor used to take up residence in this house. On the north side is a Japanese style garden with landscaping consisting of very elegant rockeries, ponds, a pavilion, stone bridges, as well as a diversity of plants and bushes. This place certainly allows people to enjoy some quietness in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.