Mei Ting Introduction
Beitou Mei Garden, constructed in the late 1930s, is a Japanese-Western style villa that witnessed the wartime period and harmonized with the local environment of Beitou. Standing close to Beitou Park for nearly a century, it has had various owners including the Japanese Governor-General's Office, the Minister of the Army, and Taipei Prefecture. After World War II in 1945, it was primarily used as a private residence and was registered as a historical building in Taipei City in 2006 due to its architectural features. Built on a site adjacent to the Beitou Stream, it integrates the mountain views to the south and the flowing water of the Beitou Stream. The upper level features a Japanese wooden frame, while the lower level consists of a basement made of reinforced concrete, originally serving as an air raid shelter. It is unique and historically valuable among the Japanese-style street houses of that era. The entrance pillars have the “Mei Garden” plaque inscribed by calligrapher Yu Youren, and within the courtyard, there is a protected camphor tree (No. 1679) under the Taipei City Tree Preservation Autonomous Regulations. The surrounding walls are constructed with the now-rare "Qilian rock". The interior space is meticulously arranged, utilizing Beitou’s rich geothermal resources, previously equipped with a “hot spring bath.” It features an “attic” for observation and storage, with functions to regulate indoor temperature and prevent moisture, while also serving as the ceiling for the lower floor and supporting the main structure of the building. The entrance showcases “glazed mosaics” and pebble-finished pillars, highlighting the beauty of craftsmanship, and the “octagonal window” design on the walls reflects the Western-style decorations that emerged during the Japanese era, appearing understated and elegant while showcasing the era’s sense and architectural beauty. In 2021, the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs commissioned the Taipei Cultural Foundation to operate and maintain the site, aiming to enhance cultural asset reuse and local promotion. In the future, it will continue to embody the unique cultural characteristics of Beitou through art exhibitions and educational activities, creating a lively space that combines historical culture and artistic involvement.
