Presidential Office Building, Republic of China

The Japanese rule over Taiwan was not merely a territorial expansion, but the first step in their overall East Asian colonization plan. Therefore, everything had to serve as the best model, to be later showcased to other "submissive" new colonies. Under this colonial objective, they emulated the West, constructing many European Baroque-style buildings in Taiwan. These architectural techniques are considered outstanding even today. The Presidential Office Building was the Governor-General's Office during the Japanese era, completed in 1919. At that time, the Governor-General faced east from his office, able to gaze upon the entire Taipei City within the vicinity of Sishou Mountain, watching the sunrise daily and charting ambitious plans for lasting success. Starting from the 7th Governor-General, a total of 13 Governor-Generals worked here. After Taiwan's retrocession, this building was shared by Chen Cheng's Southeast Military and Political Affairs Office, the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China, and the Presidential Office of the Republic of China. Subsequently, all successive presidents have used this as the Presidential Office, managing countless state affairs from this location.