Travel Through Time: Discover 3 Must-Visit Historic Western-Style Buildings in Taiwan

Reporter He Guanxian / Comprehensive Report

Seamlessly journey between the past and present. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has curated 3 renowned Western-style buildings that make every photo feel like a step back in time. The legacy of history allows us to understand life in the past, while the preservation of these structures lets us touch the traces of time firsthand. Come explore these beautiful buildings together.

Taichung – Yide Western-Style Building

Located in Beitun District, Taichung, the Yide Western-Style Building was built in 1924 and has nearly a century of history. In 2007, this area was registered as a Taichung City historic building under the name “Yide Western-Style Building,” but it was renamed “Lin Mao-yang’s Former Residence” by the local government in 2011. The site features several traditional buildings in different architectural styles, making visitors feel as if they’ve traveled through time. Lin Mao-yang’s Former Residence is a three-courtyard brick building combining Japanese and Southern Fujian styles. The small building on the left, known as the “Auntie’s House,” was renovated in 2017 and now houses a dessert shop. Its pink facade and charming ambiance have made it a popular Instagram hotspot.

Address: No. 62 and No. 69, Jiujie 2nd Lane, Beitun District, Taichung City

▲ The pink Auntie’s House at Taichung’s Yide Western-Style Building has attracted many visitors for photos. (Photo/IG@ooo_521Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ Lin Mao-yang’s Former Residence exudes a classic Japanese-style charm. (Photo/IG@linxuan29Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Tainan – Governor’s Residence

Constructed in 1900 during the Japanese colonial period, the Governor’s Residence is now a Tainan Municipal Historic Site. At the time, it served as a “royal lodging” for visiting Japanese royalty. After renovation, it is now open to the public and also houses a concert hall and restaurant. This two-story building features Baroque-style architecture, with central and side octagonal arcades. The red brick and cement tones in red and gray add to its aesthetic appeal.

Address: No. 1, Weimin Street, East District, Tainan City

▲ The Tainan Governor’s Residence, once used to accommodate Japanese royalty, has become an Instagram sensation. (Photo/IG@harper0914Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Kinmen – Chen Jinglan Western-Style Building

Located in central Kinmen, the Chen Jinglan Western-Style Building, also known as the Chenkeng Grand Western-Style Building, was built in 1917 (not 1971) by Mr. Chen Jinglan, who was born in Chenkeng (now Chenggong), Kinmen. He funded its construction, and after completion, it housed the Shangqing Primary School, providing free education to locals from Chenkeng. The building suffered severe damage from bombings and typhoons, with collapsed floors, half-fallen walls, and exposed red brick interiors, leading to its closure behind barricades. However, after receiving government funding in 2005, the Chen Jinglan Western-Style Building was restored and reopened. This two-story structure combines Romanesque and Southern Fujian architectural styles, featuring Western arched facades and Eastern window sills. It is currently the largest Western-style building in Kinmen, offering views of Kinmen Yang Park and the blue ocean from its second floor.

Address: Section 3, Huandao South Road, Jinhu Township, Kinmen County

▲ Once taken over by the government, the Chen Jinglan Western-Style Building is now the largest of its kind in Kinmen. (Photo/IG@________iota__Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)