As you’re walking down one of the busiest roads in Taipei, Zhongxiao Road, you’ll find a beautiful stone, tan colored building to the southeast of Taipei Main Station adorned with a central clock at the top of the facade. This would be the Taipei Post Office – Beimen (North Gate), currently the headquarters of the government postal service, Chunghwa Post.

The Postal Service of Taiwan has its roots based in the late 19th century when the Qing Dynasty of China established the Taiwan General Post Office, and remained in place until the Taiwan Province of the Qing Dynasty was handed over to Japan. Japan established Taipei as the official headquarters of their Postal Service, which included 23 offices around the island.

Construction on the Beimen Post Office began in 1928, finishing in 1930. Designed by young architect Kuriyama Shunichi of Tokyo Imperial University, the trapezoidal structure contains Baroque and classical designs, with its ornate designs, arched windows, and four sets of double pillars. These pillars are of the Corinthian order with Egyptian palm leaf decorations. There are many European features throughout the building to enhance the elegance, such as classical moldings near windows. The brown tiles on the exterior were produced in Beitou, a community north of Taipei.

Inside, two large pillars, similar to the exterior, support the building. Multiple Corinthian pilasters line the walls as well as a white and pink waffled ceiling with Corinthian moldings complement the dignified hall. Much of the flooring and material used in the lobby and hall is terrazzo.

Officially the largest post office in Taiwan, the building served Taiwan well until World War II and the following decades, when the structure began to deteriorate. Fortunately, the building still remained in use by the Postal Service, and an important milestone in its history came to fruition in 1992, being designated as a Historic Site of Taiwan due to its history and architecture. Finally, in 2010, Chunghwa Post contracted a Taiwanese firm for a renovation plan to restore the building to its original state, and after completion is now considered to be the premier post office in Taiwan.