Xiangshan — Elephant Mountain — is a 183-metre hill just two stops from Taipei 101 by MRT. Free entry, concrete stairs, and a skyline view that genuinely stops you mid-climb.
It's free, it's fast and you don't need hiking boots. Most people are surprised by how good the view actually is.
Xiangshan (象山), literally Elephant Mountain, sits at 183 metres on Taipei's eastern edge. Despite its name, the trail is more of a steep urban walk than a proper mountain hike — concrete steps cut through dense subtropical forest, taking most visitors to the summit viewpoint in 15 to 30 minutes.
What makes Xiangshan worth the climb is the angle. From the Six Giant Boulders near the ridgeline, Taipei 101 fills the foreground with the city spreading out on both sides. It's the shot that turns up on every Taipei travel post, and for good reason.
Straightforward enough to walk without a map, but a few details make the difference between a frustrating trip and a great one.
Take the Red Line (Danshui–Xinyi) to Xiangshan Station — the terminal stop. Use Exit 2, then follow the signs toward Elephant Mountain (象山登山步道). The walk from the exit to the trailhead entrance takes about 10–15 minutes through a quiet residential street.
The main trail is entirely paved concrete steps — around 600 of them. Steep in sections, shaded by forest, with rest benches along the way. Most visitors in normal fitness reach the Six Boulders viewpoint in 15–30 minutes. Slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.
A cluster of large exposed boulders near the ridgeline with a flat viewing area between them. This is where everyone stops for photos — Taipei 101 and the city grid are laid out directly in front of you. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best light.
The real reward is staying through two light phases. First, golden hour as the sun drops and 101 catches warm orange light. Then, 15–20 minutes after sunset, the sky turns deep blue while the city lights begin to glow — this is blue hour, and it is genuinely stunning.
About 1 hour before sunset. The warm orange light catches Taipei 101 and the surrounding buildings at their most cinematic.
15–20 minutes after sunset. The sky turns a deep saturated blue while city lights start to glow — arguably the most dramatic moment on the mountain.
Full dark brings a glittering city grid below Taipei 101's illuminated tower. Bring a torch — the trail is unlit in places after dark.
The main event. Exposed granite formations at the ridgeline with a flat area between them used as the primary viewpoint. The configuration of the rocks creates a natural frame for Taipei 101 photos.
A small wooden deck a short walk from the boulders offers a slightly different angle on the skyline — less crowded than the boulders and a good fallback if the main viewpoint is packed.
If the basic hike to the boulders feels too short, a longer loop trail continues along the ridge through deeper forest. Allow an extra 30–60 minutes for the full circuit and bring water.
Tip: The mountain faces south-west. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for the best light, and stay for blue hour — most people leave right at sunset and miss the best 20 minutes.
Watch the hourly changing of the guard ceremony at Liberty Square — free entry, one of Taipei's most impressive sights.
Read the guide →700,000 imperial artefacts including the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone. Free Tuesday evenings.
Read the guide →A gold-mining hilltop town with narrow lantern-lined alleyways and hillside teahouses overlooking the sea.
Read the guide →