Governor-General's Residence (Taipei Guest House)

The Taiwan Governor-General Official Residence, now known as the Taipei Guest House (台北賓館), is one of the most significant colonial-era government buildings in Taiwan. Located in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, approximately 100 meters from the former Governor-General's Office (now the Presidential Building), it served as the primary residence and reception venue for the Japanese colonial administration from 1901 to 1945.

Construction began in April 1899 under the designs of Japanese architects Fukuda Dōgo (福田東吾) and Nomura Ichirō (野村一郎), and was completed on September 26, 1901. The original building suffered from termite damage, and in 1911, architect Moriyama Matsunosuke (森山松之助) undertook a major renovation that transformed the structure into the French Second Empire Baroque-style palace seen today, completed in March 1913. The building features a distinctive Mansard roof, Roman columns, and elaborate interior decorations.

During the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), the residence served as the official home of the Governor-General of Taiwan. A total of 16 governors-general resided here, from the 4th Governor-General Kodama Gentarō to the last, Andō Rikichi. Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Shōwa) stayed at the residence during his 1923 visit to Taiwan. The building was also used for important state ceremonies, official banquets, and receptions for distinguished visitors.

Following Japan's surrender in August 1945, the building was transferred to the Republic of China administration. After serving briefly as the residence of the Taiwan provincial governor, it was transferred to the Presidential Office in 1950 and renamed the Taipei Guest House (台北賓館). Most notably, the Treaty of Taipei (中日和約) — the peace treaty between the Republic of China and Japan — was signed here on April 28, 1952, formally ending the state of war between the two nations. This event marked a crucial moment in Taiwan's post-war diplomatic history.

The Taipei Guest House was designated a National Historic Monument on July 30, 1998. After extensive restoration work from 2002 to 2006 costing approximately NT$400 million, the building was reopened to the public. It is currently managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is opened to visitors on scheduled open days (initially the first Sunday of even-numbered months, now generally once a month).