Construction of the Taipei Guest House began in 1899 and was completed in 1901. Its current form dates back a renovation in 1911. The guest house is located to the left of the Presidential Office Building and served as the residence of the governor-general during the Japanese occupation period. Visiting VIPs were also received here. In 1950, the building was renamed as the Taipei Guest House and repurposed for large state banquets, the reception of foreign dignitaries, and cultural activities. In 1998, the guest house was designated as a national historic site.