Tamsui Customs Officers' Residence

Tamsui Customs Officers' Residence, known as the Little White House, is a colonial-era home at No. 15 Zhenli Street in Tamsui. Built in 1869 for foreign employees of the Chinese government, it gives a glimpse of the customs service during Taiwan’s opening to foreign trade. Look for the white exterior, arched columns and long verandah, then walk through the garden for views of the river. Free guided tours in Chinese add context to the compact displays; the grounds can also be dressed for seasonal events such as Halloween.

A residence built for the customs service

The building dates to 1869, when Taiwan was being opened to foreign trade. It housed foreigners employed by the Chinese government, giving the residence a direct connection to the customs work that accompanied that period.

Its English name refers to the customs officers who lived there. The nickname Little White House comes from its white exterior. The colonial-style bungalow’s long verandah and arched columns are among its defining architectural details.

Inside the house and grounds

The interior is compact, with explanatory displays that introduce the site’s history. The garden extends the visit outdoors: paths lead around the house, and the grounds look toward the river. Free guided tours are available in Chinese at scheduled times, adding spoken historical context to the displays.

The residence is part of a group of heritage sites that also includes Fort San Domingo and Hobe Fort. A ticket for Fort San Domingo can provide access to all three, so check the ticket arrangements if you plan to visit the other sites too.