Unveil the Best Architectural Colonial Heritage in Taipei

The title “Back to 1919” takes us to a pivotal era in Taiwan’s history—when the island was under Japanese colonial rule. From 1895 to 1945, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands were governed by Japan following the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the First Sino-Japanese War. This treaty forced the Qing Dynasty to cede Taiwan to Japan “in perpetuity”.

The Japanese occupation marked a dramatic transformation for Taiwan. The colonial government implemented sweeping reforms across infrastructure, education, public health, and governance. One of the most ambitious efforts was the Kōminka Movement, launched in the late 1930s. It aimed to assimilate Taiwanese people into Japanese culture—encouraging them to adopt Japanese names, speak the language, wear traditional Japanese clothing, and even worship at Shinto shrines.

This cultural imprint is still visible today. Walk through older neighborhoods in Taipei or Tainan, and you’ll notice Japanese-style wooden houses, grid-like street layouts, and public buildings that echo Meiji and Taishō-era architecture. While the colonial period was fraught with hardship and resistance, it also left behind a unique architectural and cultural legacy.

The exhibition I saw at the Taipei Story House featured paintings of these historical buildings—some still standing, others lost to time. Many of the surviving structures have been repurposed into museums, schools, or government offices. A few remain private residences, viewable only from the outside.

If you’re an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, these sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan’s layered past. Below, I’ve curated a list of accessible locations worth visiting. You can also use the guide map at the end of this post to plan your own walking route through Taipei’s colonial heritage—an itinerary that blends history, culture, and discovery.

Taipei Red House Theater: From Market Hall to Cultural Icon

Used to be: Taipei Shinkigai Market Octagon Hall

1908

Originally built in 1908, the Red House Theater in Ximending is one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks. But before it became a hub for arts and LGBTQ+ culture, it had a very different identity—as the Shinkigai Market Octagon Hall, designed by Japanese architect Kondo Juro during Taiwan’s Japanese colonial era.

Ximending itself is a vibrant district that every Taipei first-timer should explore. The name “Ximen” literally means “West Gate,” a nod to the old city gate that once stood nearby. Though the gate was demolished in 1905, the name lives on, and a commemorative monument still marks its historical presence.

The Red House’s architecture is striking. Its octagonal structure, known as the “Bagua Building,” was a rare design at the time and symbolized openness and welcome. The building blends Western and Meiji-era Japanese styles, with red brick walls accented by white stone bands—a design that still turns heads today.

Over the decades, the Red House has worn many hats: a market, a theater for Peking Opera, a cinema, and even a storytelling saloon. After a devastating fire in 2000, it underwent major restoration and was reborn in 2007 as a creative and cultural venue.

Today, the Red House is a thriving arts center. Inside, you’ll find indie design boutiques, artisan craft stalls, and rotating exhibitions. By night, the courtyard transforms into a lively LGBTQ+ hotspot, home to bars, drag shows, and the annual Taipei Pride after-parties and New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations.

Whether you’re drawn by its history, architecture, or vibrant nightlife, the Red House is a must-see that perfectly captures Taipei’s blend of old and new.

Chungshan Hall: A Quiet Witness to Taipei’s Transformations

Used to be: Taipei City Public Hall 

1936

Just a short stroll behind the bustling Red House in Ximending lies a lesser-known but equally significant historical site—Chungshan Hall, originally built in 1936 as the Taipei City Public Hall during the Japanese colonial period. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Ide Kaoru, the building was constructed on the site of a former Qing Dynasty government office.

Unlike the ornate Red House, Chungshan Hall was designed with functionality in mind. Its rectangular concrete structure reflects a minimalist approach, yet it still carries subtle elegance. The building features light green tiles produced by local kilns in Beitou, and its geometric columns and arched windows add a quiet charm that rewards a closer look.

After World War II, the building was renamed Chungshan Hall in honor of Sun Yat-sen (whose Chinese name was Sun Zhongshan). Today, it serves as a venue for private events, performances, and exhibitions, maintaining its role as a civic space while preserving its historical roots.

Though it may not be as flashy as other landmarks, Chungshan Hall is a meaningful stop for those interested in Taipei’s layered architectural and political history. It’s a place where the past quietly lingers—waiting to be noticed by those who take the time to look.

The Western Hongan Buddhist Temple: Echoes in the Park

Used to be: Taiwan Betsuin of Hongan-Ji School of Shin Buddhism 

1923

Once a grand spiritual landmark in colonial Taipei, the Western Hongan Buddhist Temple—formally known as the Taiwan Betsuin of the Hongan-ji School of Shin Buddhism—was completed in 1923 and stood as a symbol of Japanese religious and architectural influence in Taiwan. Located in what is now the Ximending district, the temple complex included a Grand Hall of Great Sage, a bell tower, an entrance gate, and residential quarters for abbots.

The temple’s architecture was striking: the hip-and-gable roof of the Grand Hall was covered in traditional Japanese tiles, and the entire complex reflected the serene yet imposing style of Shin Buddhist temples found in Kyoto. At the time, it was one of the largest and most prominent Buddhist institutions in Taiwan.

Tragically, much of the temple was destroyed by fire in 1975. What remains today has been thoughtfully preserved and transformed into a tranquil public space known as Nishi Honganji Square. Visitors can still see remnants of the original structures, including the bell tower, which stands as a quiet sentinel of the past.

The site has also become a canvas for creative reinterpretation. During events like the Taipei Lantern Festival, artists have used light installations to recreate the temple’s original grandeur—offering a fleeting but powerful glimpse into what once was.

Though the temple no longer dominates the skyline, its spirit lingers in the peaceful park that now occupies its grounds. It’s a place where history, memory, and imagination converge—inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with a forgotten chapter of Taipei’s story.

Little South Gate: A Modest Monument with a Storied Past

Used to be: Chung-Hsi Gate

1882

Don’t let its size fool you—Little South Gate, or Xiaonanmen, is a small but historically rich landmark tucked into the heart of Taipei. Originally known as Chung-Hsi Gate, it was completed in 1882 as part of the fortified walls of the Qing-era Taipei Prefecture. Though modest in scale, the gate once served as a strategic passageway to the southern towns of Bianchiao and Chungher.

Legend has it that the influential Lin Benyuan family of Bianchiao—wealthy merchants with deep roots in the region—funded the construction of the gate to assert their presence and protect their interests from rival clans in nearby Monga (now Wanhua), particularly those of Quanzhou origin.

The gate was originally built with defensive features: pillars, open corridors, and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. However, during a major renovation in 1966, the upper structure was altered to reflect a Northern Chinese palatial style, giving it the more ornate appearance we see today.

Today, Little South Gate is more than just a relic—it’s a metro station on the Songshan–Xindian Line, seamlessly blending the old with the new. While the original city walls are long gone, the gate remains a quiet sentinel of Taipei’s layered past, surrounded by tree-lined streets, museums, and the nearby Taipei Botanical Garden and National Museum of History.

It’s a perfect stop for those who appreciate the subtle details of history—where a small gate opens a big window into the city’s cultural evolution.

The Presidential Office Building: Power, Prestige, and a Century of History

Of all the historic buildings in Taipei, none holds more symbolic weight than the Presidential Office Building. Towering at the end of Ketagalan Boulevard, this grand structure has stood at the heart of Taiwan’s political life for over a century.

Originally completed in 1919, the building was designed by Uheiji Nagano, with later revisions by Matsunosuke Moriyama, after a two-stage architectural competition during the Japanese colonial period. It was built to house the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan, the highest authority under Japanese rule. The design is a striking example of Tatsuno-style architecture, characterized by red brick walls, white horizontal bands, and a commanding central tower that rises 60 meters high.

The building survived significant damage during the Allied bombing of Taipei in 1945, particularly to its front left wing. After World War II, it was repaired and repurposed. In 1950, following the relocation of the Republic of China’s government to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War, it officially became the Presidential Office.

Today, the building is not only the workplace of Taiwan’s president but also a national monument and a powerful symbol of Taiwan’s democratic evolution. The surrounding Ketagalan Boulevard has become a civic stage—hosting everything from national celebrations to political protests, embodying the island’s vibrant public discourse.

Visitors can tour the building during limited morning hours on weekdays, where they’ll find exhibits on Taiwan’s political history and the building’s architectural legacy. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of history, politics, and design.

Judicial Office Building: Where Justice Meets Architectural Grandeur

Used to be: Supreme Courthouse and Taipei District Courthouse of Taiwan Governor-General Office

1934

Just steps away from the Presidential Office stands the stately Judicial Office Building, a cornerstone of Taiwan’s legal system and a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. Completed in 1934, it originally served as the Supreme Courthouse and Taipei District Courthouse under the Japanese Governor-General’s Office.

Designed by Ide Kaoru, the building reflects an Eclectic style with strong Romanesque influences—a blend that was both functional and symbolic. Its defining features include:

• • A medieval-style porch with basket-handle arches
  • Double-arched windows on the façade
  • Geometric zigzag moldings
  • A helmet-shaped central tower roof, inspired by traditional Taiwanese bell and drum towers

The building’s light green tiles, produced locally, were not just decorative—they were chosen for their air-defense properties during wartime. The layout of the structure follows the shape of the Chinese character “日” (sun), a design that maximized natural light and ventilation through skylights and open corridors.

Today, the building still functions as the seat of Taiwan’s Judicial Yuan, housing the Taiwan High Court, High Prosecutors Office, and other key judicial agencies. While public access is limited due to its official use, the building’s exterior is a visual treat. Be sure to admire the arched gables, ornamental columns, and the distinctive central tower—a fusion of imperial ambition and local tradition.

It’s a must-see for architecture lovers and anyone interested in how Taiwan’s colonial past continues to shape its civic landscape.

Chongqing South Road: Where Power Once Walked

Used to be: Hon-Cho

Once known as Fuqian Street during the Qing Dynasty, Chongqing South Road has long been a central artery in Taipei’s political and economic life. During the Japanese colonial period, it was renamed Hon-Cho, and the area became a hub for key institutions and government offices.

Even today, the street retains echoes of its prestigious past. It’s home to the Judicial Office Building, the Bank of Taiwan, and other important civic institutions. While many of the original structures have been replaced by modern developments, a walk down this road still reveals architectural remnants and subtle details that whisper of a bygone era.

Chongqing South Road also serves as a symbolic and literal link between Taipei’s historic core and its modern pulse—leading directly back to Ximending, the city’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district. It’s a route where history and modernity meet, making it a perfect path for urban explorers who want to experience Taipei’s layered identity.

Taipei Guest House: A Colonial Mansion of Grandeur and Diplomacy

Used to be: Mansion of the Taiwan Governor-General Office

1901

Tucked just a short walk from the Presidential Office, the Taipei Guest House is one of the most elegant and historically significant buildings in the city. Originally completed in 1901, it was designed by Fukuda Togo and later renovated in 1912 by Matsunosuke Moriyama. During the Japanese colonial period, it served as the official residence of the Governor-General of Taiwan.

From the outside, the building may appear like a stately gray stone mansion—but step inside, and you’re transported into a world of European opulence. The architecture is a stunning example of French Second Empire style, featuring Mansard roofs, dormer and bull’s-eye windows, and high Roman columns. The interiors are lavishly decorated with crystal chandeliers, baroque gold leaf motifs, and ornate plasterwork, making it one of the most graceful colonial-era residences in Taiwan.

The mansion also opens up to a beautifully landscaped Japanese-style garden, complete with pavilions, bonsai, stone bridges, and fountains—a tranquil contrast to the building’s European grandeur.

Today, the Taipei Guest House is still used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to host foreign dignitaries and official events. It is open to the public on a limited basis—typically on the first Sunday of even-numbered months, though schedules may vary. For the latest visiting hours and guidelines, it’s best to check the official website.

Whether you’re drawn by its architecture, its political history, or its serene garden, the Taipei Guest House is a must-visit for anyone exploring the legacy of colonial Taipei.

National Taiwan University Hospital: A Healing Landmark Through Time

Used to be: Taipei Hospital of Taiwan Governor-General Office 

1924

Among Taipei’s many historical buildings, the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) stands out not just for its architectural beauty, but for its enduring role in the city’s daily life. Originally established as the Taipei Hospital of the Taiwan Governor-General Office in 1924, this building is a classic example of Tatsuno-style architecture, designed by Kondō Jūrō, the same architect behind the Red House Theater.

Located directly above its namesake NTU Hospital MRT Station, the hospital’s red brick and white-banded façade is framed by lush greenery, offering a serene contrast to the urban bustle. The building’s symmetrical layout, arched windows, and central tower reflect the Beaux-Arts influence that Tatsuno-style is known for, while its quiet, orderly environment perfectly suits its purpose as a place of healing.

Though it continues to function as a fully operational hospital today, the old wing remains a favorite among locals and filmmakers alike. It has appeared in numerous Taiwanese films, dramas, and music videos, often used to evoke nostalgia or historical depth.

While it’s not appropriate to enter the hospital just to take photos, the front entrance is well worth a visit. Take a moment to admire the decorative stonework, the elegant proportions, and the way the building seems to pause time—before continuing your journey through Taipei’s architectural past.

National Taiwan Museum: A Neoclassical Gem in the Heart of Taipei

Used to be: Museum of the Taiwan Governor-General Office 

1915

Among the historic treasures of old Taipei, the National Taiwan Museum stands out as both a cultural landmark and a beautifully preserved piece of architecture. Originally built in 1915 as the Museum of the Taiwan Governor-General Office, it was designed by Nomura Ichirou and Araki Eiichi. The building was commissioned as a memorial to Kodama Gentarō, a former Governor-General of Taiwan, with funding from both government officials and local citizens.

This is the oldest large-scale museum in Taiwan, and its design reflects the influence of the British Museum, showcasing a grand neoclassical style with Corinthian columns, a domed roof, and a symmetrical façade that exudes timeless elegance.

Unlike many of Taipei’s historic buildings that are only viewable from the outside, the National Taiwan Museum is open to the public and offers a rich, immersive experience. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions covering a wide range of topics—from earth sciences and zoology to Taiwanese indigenous cultures, botany, and humanitarian development. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions, making each visit a little different from the last.

While it may be overshadowed by the more famous National Palace Museum, this downtown gem offers a more accessible and intimate look at Taiwan’s natural and cultural evolution. If you’re exploring the city on foot, it’s a perfect stop to cool off, slow down, and learn something new.

Dihua Street: Where Taipei’s Past Meets Its Creative Present

If you’re looking to step back in time while soaking in the city’s modern creative energy, a stroll down Dihua Street is a must. Located in the heart of Dadaocheng, this historic street has become one of Taipei’s most atmospheric destinations—blending old-world charm with contemporary flair.

Once known as Fuqian Street during the Qing Dynasty, Dihua Street rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the commercial backbone of Taipei. Its proximity to the Dadaocheng Wharf—which replaced the Monga Wharf due to ethnic tensions and trade shifts—made it a bustling hub for merchants dealing in tea, textiles, Chinese medicine, and dried goods.

Today, Dihua Street has undergone a renaissance. While many of the original street houses remain, they’ve been lovingly restored and repurposed into boutiques, tea houses, art galleries, and cafés. The area is especially lively during Lunar New Year, when it transforms into a festive market filled with traditional snacks, decorations, and performances.

Architecturally, Dihua Street is a living museum. You’ll find a fascinating mix of:

• • Southern Minnan style: with red brick arcades and swallowtail roofs
  • Western historical style: featuring baroque columns and decorative pediments
  • Art Deco: with geometric motifs and streamlined forms
  • Modernist influences: reflecting the evolution of urban design in the 20th century

For a deeper dive, stop by the Dadaocheng Visitor Center, where you can find information on current exhibitions, tea tastings, cultural workshops, and walking tours. Whether you’re here for the history, the architecture, or the Instagram-worthy corners, Dihua Street offers a rich, multi-sensory experience that captures the soul of old Taipei.