The building, located in the Zhongzheng District in the national capital — Taipei, was designed by architect Uheiji Nagano during the period of Japanese rule of Taiwan (1895–1945).

At present, this Baroque-style building is a symbol of the central government and a famous historical landmark in downtown Taipei.

Aspects of the design typical of Japanese architects in Taiwan's colonial period include a façade facing east and a creative blend of traditional European elements (Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical).

On 31 May 1945, during the Raid on Taihoku, bombs hit the front left side, main lobby, and northern sections of the Taiwan Governor-General's Office.

The building was not repaired until 1947, when the Taiwan Provincial Government initiated a restoration plan funded through private donations.

Since the timing of the restoration's completion coincided with the 60th birthday of President Chiang Kai-shek, it was renamed Chieh Shou Hall.

This reflects the concerns of its Japanese architects, who often oriented important structures toward the rising sun at the head of long avenues.

The west gate, the formal rear entrance of the building, features a grand marble staircase and porch lined with Ionic and Corinthian pillars.

The office wings feature balconies and long corridor that allow view of the sunlit North and South Gardens.

Former President Chen Shui-bian revealed that the grounds of the Shilin Official Residence contain the entrance to a hidden tunnel that connects to the Presidential Office Building.