Xiangshan Hiking Trail Taipei
Climb the iconic Elephant Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei's skyline, including the famous Taipei 101.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour city glow
Xiangshan Hiking Trail Taipei
Best Time
Golden hour city glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb the iconic Elephant Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei's skyline, including the famous Taipei 101.
"The views at the top were awesome, especially at night."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly steep stairs. Good footwear is essential for grip and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Stalls are available near the entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taipei 101 Skyline View
Main viewing platforms
The quintessential Taipei view, especially stunning at sunset and night.
+1Six Giant Rocks
Along the trail
Unique rock formations offering great photo opportunities and resting spots.
+1Breeze Platform
Upper viewing area
A popular spot for panoramic cityscapes and capturing the urban sprawl.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Best Views
Stairs, Stairs, and More Stairs!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly steep stairs. Good footwear is essential for grip and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Stalls are available near the entrance.
🔦 Night Hike Safety
Parts of the trail can be dark at night. Consider a flashlight for better visibility.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Numerous viewpoints and the Six Giant Rocks offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly steep stairs. Good footwear is essential for grip and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Stalls are available near the entrance.
🔦 Night Hike Safety
Parts of the trail can be dark at night. Consider a flashlight for better visibility.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Numerous viewpoints and the Six Giant Rocks offer fantastic photo opportunities.
⏱️ Quick Workout Option
If short on time, a brisk 20-minute climb to the first platform offers great views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views of Taipei, especially the iconic Taipei 101 skyline, which are particularly breathtaking at sunset and night. The trail is praised as a great workout and easily accessible via public transport. However, some find the steep stairs challenging, and crowds can be significant during peak times.
"Good training ground before you attempt other mountains in Taiwan such as Yangmingshan. Good intense workout for 20 minutes. Near the entrance are Family Mart as well as other drink stalls. Grab one, you need it. Can go anytime. Mine was blessed with clear sky"
Wilson Tan
"It was a rainy day, so we almost gave up on this hike. Fortunately there was a rain break, so we took the chance to climb this hill. It was well worth it. The trail is short, but it is steep. I would guess there would be about 600 steps to get to the observation platform. The views at the top were awesome."
Patrick Xu
"It's 10mins from railway station to base of trail, and another 30mins for the trail itself if you are in moderate physical shape. Otherwise I wouldn't recommend going past 1st viewing platform as the climb gets harder and the view isn't that different. Also, it's best done towards sunset as the city lights up. For Taipei 101 only vantage points, there are other spots across the city which require no climbing."
Me I
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the MRT Red Line to Xiangshan Station. From there, it's about an 850m walk uphill to the trailhead.
Yes, it's very accessible via public transport. The Taipei Metro's Xiangshan Station is the closest MRT stop, making it convenient for visitors.
It's approximately a 7-10 minute walk uphill from Xiangshan Station to the base of the trail.
Yes, you can take a taxi, but it might drop you off near the base of the trail, and you'll still need to walk up. Using the MRT is often more straightforward.
Limited parking might be available in the vicinity, but it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to the trail's popularity and accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Xiangshan Hiking Trail is free to access. There are no admission fees required to enter the trail.
The trail is generally open 24/7, but it's best to visit during daylight hours or early evening for safety and better visibility.
There is no entrance fee for Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail). It's a public park and trail system.
Yes, you can visit at night, and many people do for the city lights. However, some sections can be dark, so bringing a flashlight is advised for safety.
No booking is required. The trail is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and the hour after are ideal for capturing the Taipei 101 skyline as the city lights up.
The main viewing platforms, especially those near the Six Giant Rocks, offer the most iconic shots of Taipei 101 and the cityscape.
While a good camera helps, smartphones are perfectly capable of capturing stunning photos here, especially with good lighting.
Yes, the trail itself has several smaller viewpoints and the Six Giant Rocks provide unique photographic elements.
You can get clear, unobstructed views of Taipei 101 from various points on the trail, making it a prime location for skyline photography.
🎫 💪 Onsite Experience
For moderately fit individuals, reaching the main viewing platforms takes about 20-30 minutes. The entire trail can take longer if you explore further.
It's considered moderately challenging due to the steep, continuous stairs. It's a good workout, but manageable for most.
Comfortable athletic wear and sturdy, non-slip shoes are highly recommended due to the stairs.
Yes, there is one restroom located between the main viewing platforms.
It is one of Taipei's most popular attractions, so expect crowds, especially during peak sunset hours and on weekends.
🍽️ 💧 Food & Dining
Yes, there are convenience stores like Family Mart and drink stalls near the entrance where you can grab refreshments.
You can purchase water and other drinks from stalls located near the trailhead before you start your climb.
No, there are no restaurants at the summit. It's a hiking trail, so it's best to eat before or after your hike.
The surrounding Xinyi District offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Bringing snacks is a good idea if you plan to spend a longer time or want something to enjoy at the top. Water is more essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, the well-maintained paths and viewing platforms offer safe places to rest and enjoy the scenery. 🚶 Budget Travelers
+1 Bringing your own water and snacks from a local convenience store will also keep costs down, making it a fantastic way to experience Taipei's natural beauty and iconic skyline without breaking the bank. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Six Giant Rocks offer unique foreground elements, and the various viewing platforms provide different angles of the cityscape. +2 Be prepared for crowds, especially at popular spots, and consider bringing a tripod for low-light shots. The accessibility means you can easily visit multiple times to capture different lighting conditions.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Staircase Climb
Despite the physical exertion, the trail is well-maintained with viewing platforms and resting benches strategically placed along the way.
Capturing Taipei's Skyline
+1 The Breeze Platform and the Six Giant Rocks are particularly favored spots for photographers. +1The best time for photography is undoubtedly during the golden hour leading up to sunset, and into the evening when the city lights begin to twinkle.
This creates a magical ambiance and a stunning contrast between the natural mountain landscape and the urban sprawl. Many visitors share their impressive shots on social media, showcasing the dramatic transformation of the city from day to night. +1 Remember to bring your camera or smartphone and be prepared for crowds, as this is a prime photography location for both tourists and locals. Accessibility and Local Insights
+1 This makes it incredibly easy for visitors to incorporate a hike into their city itinerary without needing extensive travel arrangements. Locals and frequent visitors often emphasize the trail's convenience and the rewarding views it offers for relatively little effort compared to other Taiwanese mountains.
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