Visiting Taiwan's Presidential Office Building in Taipei｜走進台北總統府

This Saturday, I'm going somewhere in Taipei that I've passed by many times but have never really explored — Taiwan's Presidential Office Building.

這個星期六，我準備去一個在台北經過很多次，卻從來沒有真正走進去好好認識的地方——總統府。

Before my visit, I decided to do a little research. I wanted to know more about the building itself: Why does it look the way it does? What is its history? And what can visitors actually see inside?

所以在出發以前，我決定先做一點功課。我想知道的不只是「總統府在哪裡」，而是：這棟建築為什麼長這個樣子？它經歷過什麼歷史？一般人走進去又可以看到什麼？

A Building with More Than 100 Years of History
一棟超過百年歷史的建築

The Presidential Office Building was originally built during the Japanese colonial period as the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan. The building was completed in 1919 and later became the Presidential Office Building.

今天的總統府，前身是日本時代的臺灣總督府，建築於 1919 年完工，之後成為今日的總統府。

The building was damaged during the Taipei Air Raid in May 1945, but its main structure survived. After repairs, it continued to serve as an important government building in Taiwan.

1945 年 5 月的臺北大空襲中，建築受到嚴重破壞，但主要結構仍保存下來。經過修復之後，這棟建築繼續作為臺灣重要的政府建築使用。

So when we visit the Presidential Office Building today, we are not simply walking into a government office. We are entering a building that has witnessed different periods of Taiwan's modern history.

因此，今天走進總統府，其實不只是參觀一棟政府辦公建築，也是在走進一座見證臺灣近現代歷史變化的建築。

Look Up at the Architecture
別忘了抬頭看看建築

One of the first things you notice about the Presidential Office Building is its red-and-white exterior and tall central tower.

總統府最容易讓人留下印象的，就是紅白相間的外牆，以及高高的中央塔樓。

The building combines Western classical architectural influences with the design language of its era. Its central tower rises to about 60 meters, creating one of the building's most recognizable features.

這棟建築融合了西方古典建築元素與當時的設計風格，中央塔樓高度約 60 公尺，也是總統府最具辨識度的特色之一。

I've seen this building many times from the outside, but knowing these details makes me want to slow down and really look at it this time.

以前經過總統府時，我可能只是看一眼就走過去。但知道這些細節之後，這次我反而想放慢腳步，好好看看這棟建築。

Can You Actually Visit the Presidential Office?
一般人真的可以進總統府嗎？

Yes! The Presidential Office Building is open to visitors on weekday mornings, and there are also special weekend opening dates.

答案是：可以！ 總統府平日上午有開放參觀，另外也會公告特定的假日開放日期。

I happen to be going on one of them: Saturday, September 19, 2026.

而我這次剛好遇上其中一個假日開放日：2026 年 9 月 19 日，星期六。

Opening hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Admission is free.

參觀時間：上午 9:00–下午 4:00，而且免費參觀。

Individual visitors or groups of fewer than 15 people do not need an online reservation. Visitors can line up on site and enter after a security check. Bring a photo ID.

個人或未滿 15 人的參觀者不需要事先網路預約，可以直接到現場排隊，通過安全檢查後入府參觀。記得攜帶附照片的身分證明文件。

What Can You See Inside?
裡面可以看到什麼？

On weekend opening days, the official visitor information lists areas such as the main entrance, entrance hall, auditorium, north and south courtyards, first-floor exhibitions and corridors as open visitor areas.

依總統府參觀資訊，假日開放區域包括正大門、敞廳、大禮堂、南北苑、一樓展覽室以及迴廊等空間。

I'm especially interested in seeing the interior architecture and experiencing the contrast between the formal government building we usually see on television and what it actually feels like when you are standing inside.

我自己最想看的，其實是總統府裡面的建築空間。平常我們大多是在新聞或電視畫面裡看到總統府，但真正站在建築裡面，感覺應該會完全不一樣。

Something Special Is Happening This Saturday
這個星期六還有一點不一樣

September 19 is not only an open-house day. The 2026 大FUN凱道 event will also take place around the Presidential Office Building and Ketagalan Boulevard.

9 月 19 日這天不只是總統府開放參觀，當天還會舉辦 「2026 大FUN凱道」，活動範圍包括總統府內外以及凱達格蘭大道。

According to the official announcement, activities around Ketagalan Boulevard run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with themed areas covering sustainability, transportation, sports and other family activities.

依官方公告，凱達格蘭大道的活動時間為上午 10 點至下午 4 點，現場規劃環境永續、交通、運動等不同主題的親子體驗。

A Different Way to Explore Taipei
用另一種方式認識台北

When people visit Taipei, they often think of Taipei 101, night markets, temples and bubble tea. I love those things too.

說到台北旅行，大家通常會想到台北 101、夜市、寺廟和珍珠奶茶。這些我當然也很喜歡。

But sometimes, exploring a city means looking at the buildings we usually walk past and asking: What happened here?

但是我覺得，認識一座城市還有另外一種方式——去看看那些我們平常經過、卻很少真正了解的建築，然後問自己：這裡曾經發生過什麼？

The Presidential Office Building is one of those places. This Saturday, I'm going to walk inside, take a closer look and experience it for myself.

總統府對我來說，就是這樣的一個地方。這個星期六，我準備真正走進去看看。

And after the visit, I'll come back and share what I actually saw.

等參觀完，我再回來跟大家分享——真正走進總統府，是什麼感覺。

Patricia's Taipei Note

If you are traveling in Taipei, don't only look for famous food and shopping spots. Sometimes an old building, a traditional market, or a street you've never walked down can tell you much more about Taiwan.

如果你來台北旅行，不妨除了美食和購物之外，也留一點時間給老建築、傳統市場，或一條你從來沒有走過的街道。

Sometimes, that's where the most interesting stories begin.

有時候，最有意思的台灣故事，就從這些地方開始。

Visitor information checked against the official Presidential Office website for September 19, 2026. Opening arrangements may change, so check the official information before your visit.