Attraction stories
After Taiwan was forced to open to foreign trade in the early 1860s, foreigners soon poured in for business. The Qing government established a customs office in Tamsui following the opening of Tamsui Port and employed foreigners to take charge of it. The present Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence (前清淡水關稅務司官邸) is the only remaining one of the three residences built after 1869 for these foreign officers.
Due to its ash white appearance, this beautiful colonial-style building was nicknamed xiǎo báigōng (小白宮), meaning the “Little White House” in Chinese. Along with its peaceful yard and special exhibitions, the Little White House provides an ideal afternoon retreat after visiting the crowded Tamsui Old Street.
