Last Updated on April 10, 2021
Taipei is a city never short of photo opportunities. But where do you go to get the best shots of the city itself? Get ready for a short hike up to Xiangshan or the Elephant Mountain to get awesome views of the Taipei skyline.
To get to Xiangshan (象山) or Elephant Mountain, get on the red line on the Taipei MRT and alight at Xiangshan station, the last stop on this line just after the Taipei 101 station. Head to Exit 2 and take the road on your left. There are helpful signs that point you to your destination.
If you plan to do Elephant Mountain just after visiting Taipei 101 and wish to walk on, it’s only another 600 metres from the iconic building to Xiangshan station.
You pass the Xiangshan Park on your left and it’s a short, pleasant walk of 1 km along the leafy Songren Road.
There are signs all along the road that turns left up ahead. Presently, you spot a flight of steps at the base of the trail.
The two main symbols are elephant and the unmistakable outline of the Taipei 101. And that’s what this little climb is all about, after all.
The walk up itself takes a leisurely 30 minutes or a sprightly 15. It’s all steps so you need not even bother with a trekking shoe surely. A regular walking shoe or even flip flops will do just fine.
A little into the climb, the views of the skyline start showing up but it’s only when you reach the first viewing platform that you start to reach for your camera or your mobile. The Photographer’s Platform can be crowded and you will have to wait it out or jostle to get your shot.
Just ahead there are rocks and boulders that form a foreground for you to stand or sit on to get a nicely framed snap. Once you continue the climb, you reach the point where the view is at its best. The Six Giant Rocks can offer some great views and are a big hit with anyone looking for a memorable shot.
The path continues on but if you are here only for the stunning views, take those sensational cityscape panoramas and spend a memorable time taking in Taipei, this is the best the Elephant Mountain hike gives you.
There are more view points dotted on the trail and each gives its own special vista with its own photo opportunities.
For those who are keen on hiking, the Xiangshan trail is a part of the longer Nangong Mountain Trail, also known as the Four Beasts Trail.
But for most who come looking for a small enjoyable climb up and get great views of the Taipei skyline, the Elephant Mountain trail is the perfect Taiwan experience to slip in to your itinerary.
