Taiwan’s Baroque Architecture Goes Viral Abroad, Resembling a Vampire’s Residence and Sparking Discussion

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Recently, a wave of discussion about Taiwanese architecture has emerged on a well-known American forum. A foreign netizen accidentally discovered through Google Street View a towering Baroque-style building located in the Taoyuan Railway Station commercial area, with its exotic relief archway decorations, which were even likened to a vampire’s residence. Most local residents are also unclear about the purpose of this building, adding to its mysterious aura.

The building is about 10 stories tall, constructed from granite with a calm and understated color tone. Its exterior is adorned with gold trim, and every floor and column is covered with reliefs of angels from Greek mythology. Stepping inside, every wall, column, and ceiling is also fully covered with intricate carved decorations. The strong exotic design stands out uniquely among a row of apartment buildings cluttered with signs.

After sparking heated discussion, the building owner made an exception to allow visits and photography,The building has been under construction for seven and a half years and is not yet completed. Once finished, it will serve as a personal office and guesthouse; it is currently in the decoration phase, and the completion date remains unclear.

In fact, besides this Baroque building, there is also a “Weird House” in Longtan District, Taoyuan, that resembles Howl’s Moving Castle. It has been under construction for over 30 years and is still unfinished, adding an air of mystery to Taoyuan.