Chen Tianlai's Former Residence Introduction
*Suspended business for cultural asset restoration on March 27, 2024. The restoration of the building itself is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 to early 2028. Dadaocheng was one of the most prosperous cities in Taiwan in its early days, and Guo Te Street became known for its tea trade. Many merchants involved in the tea trade became wealthy, with Chen Tianlai being one of them. Chen Tianlai founded Jinji Tea House and invested in entertainment ventures such as Penglai Pavilion, First Theater, and Yongle Theater, among others. The former residence of Chen Tianlai, located at No. 73, Guo Te Street, was formerly the "Jinji Tea House." This three-story building, designed in a neo-Baroque style, was constructed in 1920. The first floor served as a trading space, the second floor as a tea merchant's guesthouse, and the third floor as a residence. Its exterior is grand and European in style, with the building divided into a central body and two side turrets. The main body is adorned with floral decorations and brackets, as well as classical columns and grand archways, all exuding a romantic ambiance. It once served as a common gathering place for Dadaocheng tea merchants to enjoy tea and overlook the Tamsui River wharf, gaining widespread fame. Additionally, it has a private garden at the back adjacent to Gangzai Ditch (now Xining North Road), serving as an important witness to the prosperous years of Dadaocheng in the first half of the 20th century.*
