The 6 Best Architectural Buildings in Tamsui / Bali District, Taiwan

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.

The Japanese High-ranking Police Officer Dormitory was established during the Japanese rule. It was originally a dormitory of the police chief of the Tamsui County Government Office. After the KMT Government came to Taiwan, it was converted into a dormitory of the director of the Tamsui Police Branch. As the building is quite historically representative, it was registered as a historic building in