Chen Tianlai's Former Residence Introduction
*March 27, 2024 Cultural Heritage Restoration - Temporarily Closed* The restoration of the building is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 to early 2027. Dadaocheng was one of the most prosperous metropolises in Taiwan in its early days, and Gui-de Street became known as "valuable because of tea." Many wealthy merchants engaged in the tea trade, and Chen Tianlai was one of them. Chen Tianlai founded Jinji Tea Shop and invested in entertainment businesses such as Penglai Pavilion, First Theater, and Yongle Theater. The former residence of Chen Tianlai, located at No. 73 Gui-de Street, was originally the "Jinji Tea Shop." This three-story building, built in 1920 in a Baroque style, features a trading area on the first floor, a tea merchant's guesthouse on the second floor, and residential space on the third floor. The appearance is grand with European style, divided into a central body and two side towers. The main structure is adorned with hanging flowers, bracket clouds, classical columns, and large arcades, exuding a romantic ambiance. It was once a common gathering place for Dadaocheng tea merchants to enjoy tea and view the Tamsui River docks; it was well-known far and wide. A private garden is located behind, adjacent to the port creek (now Xining North Road), serving as an important witness to the glorious years of Dadaocheng in the first half of the 20th century.
