1. Douglas Lapraik & Co.

Douglas Lapraik & Co. represented the many foreign-owned companies that opened in Tamsui. After Qing China lost the Second Opium War in 1858, foreign businesses became legal in Taiwan as part of the international treaty. Douglas Lapraik, an English businessman, started his business empire after Hong Kong was ceded to the United Kingdom and operated shipping routes. After Douglas retired, his nephew John Steward Lapraik inherited his business and expanded shipping routes to Taiwan. Douglas Lapraik & Co. was built in Tamsui in the 1870s and dominated Taiwan's shipping industry for nearly 30 years after. Many famous historic figures in Taiwan, including the much-celebrated Canadian missionary, educator, and medical provider George Leslie Mackay, rode on ships under Douglas Lapraik & Co. when first arriving in Tamsui!

2. The Former Residence of Tada Eikichi

This building was completed in 1934 and owned by the head of Tamsui township and businessman, Tada Eikichi. Built as the residence for the upper-class Japanese, the house was one of the earliest private residences in Tamsui that had running tap water and an amazing view of the mountain and river. Today, the building remains the most well-preserved Japanese building in Tamsui.

3. Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence (Little White House)

Known to locals as the “Little White House” due to its prominent white color, the Customs Officer’s Residence was built in 1866 to accommodate the growing number of foreign officers that were stationed in Tamsui. The building was used as a social club for active and retired customs officers in the Japanese colonial period. Today, many newlywed couples choose to take photos here because of its photogenic backdrop!

4. Fort San Domingo

Fort San Domingo is not only the oldest site we see on this tour but also one of the oldest buildings remaining in Taiwan! Built almost 400 years ago by the Spanish, Fort San Domingo was later managed by nine different regimes. After the opening of treaty ports in 1862, the fort was leased to the British as a consulate and remained under their care for almost 100 years, until the United Kingdom broke ties with the Taiwanese government in 1972. You can also find the British consul’s official residence, now a museum, next door.

5. Tamsui Customs Wharf

First constructed as a military base during the Qing Dynasty, Tamsui Customs Wharf was later responsible for customs duties on goods passing through the border when Tamsui became the largest international port in Taiwan after the opening of treaty ports. After World War Two, the military took over the wharf, but eventually moved their headquarters to Kaohsiung. The wharf is now a popular cultural park for locals and visitors, and the last site of our tour.

Tour ends