The Presidential Office Building is one of the iconic buildings in Taipei, built during Japanese rule in 1919 and restored after suffering damage during World War II. These days it houses the Office of the President of the Republic of China and showcases a stunning 130-metre-wide facade that reflects early-20th-century Japanese styles.
You can enter the Presidential Office Building to admire the rich interior, which boasts a grand main staircase guarded by the Republic of China Military Police. It also has a sun-drenched internal courtyard, the original Japanese Instrument of Surrender from World War II on display and Ionic and Corinthian pillars.
The Presidential Office Building’s central location makes it easy to combine with a visit to the sombre monuments and manicured gardens at 2/28 Peace Park. It’s also within walking distance from the art-filled Taipei Zhongshan Hall, the Armed Forces Museum and the Red House Theatre.
Getting there
The Presidential Office Building is best reached by catching the Tamsui-Xinyi metro line to NTU Hospital Station and walking about 10 minutes. You can also catch the Bannan Line or Songshan-Xindian Line to Ximen Station and walk about 500 metres.