Top 7 Historic Walking Areas in Tamsui, New Taipei

The location of the building at the time was close to the Douglas Co. of Tait. The front building was named "The First Examination Site" and the rear one was named "Import Warehouse." Although the two buildings underwent changes and renovations at different times, they are rare surviving examples cases of foreign trading company buildings from late-Qing Dynasty Taiwan. In terms of the historic value, the buildings witnessed the history of port opening in Taiwan and the development of navigation in northern Taiwan in the late Qing Dynasty. Their existence is historical evidence of the many foreign trading companies that the Fonghuo Section of Tamsui District once had.

In 1858, following the Second Opium War, Taiwan was forced to open its ports for trade under the Beijing and the Tienjin Treaties. Four years later, a customs office was established in Tamsui following the opening of Tamsui Port. Initially, there were only a few foreign customs officers, most of whom lived in the customs office building or rental houses nearby. Tamsui Customs administration then purchased a piece of land in 1866 and subsequently started building official staff residences in 1869. The building has a square layout and a splendid view of the Tamsui River and Mt. Guanyin. The foundation of the building is elevated 3 feet high, which allows humidity to be carried away through the square shaped ventilation holes by the flowing breeze. The structure is a classic colonial-style building known as a "bungalow." It was nicknamed "Xiao Bai Gong," meaning "Little White House" due to its ash-white appearance. It features ash-white outer walls, a terrace with a magnificent view, a veranda with arched columns, and a vintage fireplace.