Guo Ziyi Memorial Hall - Neihu Red House Introduction
Neihu's Guo residence, built during the Japanese colonial period, is located on a hillside on the west side of Neihu District. Constructed around the year 1919 (the eighth year of the Taisho era), it reflects a time of stability and economic prosperity in Taiwanese society. The architectural style of official buildings influenced private residences, with many shopfronts along Dihua Street in Taipei displaying Baroque embellishments, constructed from red bricks, wash pebbles, mud sculptures, and colored tiles, which are collectively known as Taisho-style architecture. The Guo residence in Neihu is a typical mansion from this period. The ancient residence is situated on the slopes of a small hill, facing south and surrounded by trees on three sides, presenting an extremely tranquil setting. The layout of the house is slightly T-shaped, entirely constructed from brick and wood, with outer walls made of red bricks popular during the Taisho era, adorned with wash pebbles and imported Japanese ceramic decorations. The interior floor is wooden, supported by numerous wooden beams, and features lighting beams where traditional Taiwanese incense burners and lanterns can be hung. The windows on the front facade exhibit a variety of forms, with arched balconies protruding; the overall shape of the hilltop resembles Baroque style, characterized by beautiful scroll-like curves. In recent years, it has been marked for the Bifeng Temple, indicating a desire to convert it into a temple, although this plan has not yet been realized. (Source: Ministry of Culture, Taiwan)
