Fang Wang
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Let me guess — you've seen those iconic shots of Taipei 101 towering above a lush green hill, and now you want to capture the same. But here's the thing: most tourists go at the wrong time, end up sweating in the midday heat, and leave disappointed. I've been leading guided tours up here for years, and I can tell you exactly how to nail it.
First thing first — Elephant Mountain is free. No ticket, no booking. But that also means no crowd control. So you need a plan.
Why Elephant Mountain?
Because it's the closest, quickest, and most rewarding hike in Taipei for a cityscape view. At just 20 minutes to the main viewing platform, you get a jaw-dropping panorama of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. No other spot gives you this perspective without a long trek.
How to Get There (Detailed Routes)
By MRT: Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Xiangshan Station. Exit from Exit 2. Once outside, turn right and walk along Zhongqiang Street for about 8 minutes. You'll see a sign for the trail entrance near a temple. Total walk from station to trailhead: 15 minutes.
By Taxi/ Uber: Tell the driver “Xiangshan Bu Dao” (象山步道). From Taipei Main Station, it's about 200 TWD (6 USD) and takes 20 minutes.
Trail Entrance: The main entrance is at No. 150, Lane 30, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao East Road (but just use Google Maps for “Xiangshan Trail Entrance”). There's a convenience store (7-11) right at the bottom — buy water there because there's none on the trail.
Best Time to Hike & Avoid Crowds
Sunset is prime time, but everyone knows that. Here is the exact window: Arrive at the trailhead by 4:30 PM (in summer) or 3:30 PM (in winter). That gives you time to hike up, claim a spot, and watch the city transition from day to night. By 5:30 PM the platform is packed — bodies shoulder to shoulder.
If you absolutely must go on a weekend, aim for 6:00 AM for sunrise. You'll have the whole platform to yourself.
Trail Difficulty & What to Bring
The trail is short but steep. You'll climb about 400 steps to the main viewing deck. It's not a hike for fancy shoes — just sneakers. Bring water, a towel (you will sweat), and bug repellent because the mosquitoes at dusk are relentless. I've seen tourists covered in bites — don't be that person.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Water (at least 500ml) | No water source on trail |
| Insect repellent | Mosquitoes active near vegetation |
| Camera/phone with night mode | Low light after sunset |
| Light jacket | Gets breezy at the top |
Also note: there are no toilets on the trail. Use the one at the MRT station or the 7-11 before you start.
Best Photo Spots (with Secret Angle)
Most people stop at the main viewing platform (the big rocky area with railings). But here is a better spot: continue past the platform for another 3 minutes up a short staircase to a smaller rock ledge. It's less crowded and frames Taipei 101 perfectly with foreground leaves.
Another pro trick: Use a 2x or 3x zoom on your phone to compress the cityscape. And if you have a tripod, bring it — but be careful because the ledges are small, and on busy days you'll get dirty looks for setting up a tripod. I usually just brace my phone against a rock or rail.
Guided Tour Options (or DIY)
Honestly, you don't need a guided tour for Elephant Mountain. The trail is well signposted and straightforward. But if you want a deeper experience — like learning about the geology, history, or getting a professional photo — a private guide can be worth it. Price range: 30-70 USD per person for a 2-hour tour including hotel pickup. Search on platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide.
If you join a combo tour that includes Taipei 101 observatory, remember that the observatory ticket is extra (around 600 TWD). I always tell my clients: skip the observatory and just hike Elephant Mountain — the view is better, and it's free.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I'm not usually a tour guy, but this one changed my mind. The guide's local knowledge was incredible—we took a lesser-known path that cut through some cool rock formations and ended up at a viewpoint with zero crowds. He even had a small tripod to lend me. The photos I got are hands-down the best souvenir. 5 stars, no question.
Best decision of my Taipei trip! The early morning start was tough but so rewarding. We watched the sun rise over the city with only about 10 other people around—unheard of for Elephant Mountain. The guide helped me adjust my camera settings for the perfect exposure. Came away with frame-worthy photos. Can't recommend enough!
Absolutely worth every penny! Our guide, Mike, was fantastic—he knew exactly when to arrive and which trails to take to miss the masses. We got the iconic shots with almost no one in the background. The little history tidbits along the way made it even better. If you're serious about photography and hate crowds, book this tour now!
Good tour overall! The guide knew some great hidden angles for photos that I wouldn't have found alone. We did avoid the worst of the crowds, though there were still a fair number of people. My only complaint is the pace felt a bit slow at the beginning. Still, I got some decent shots and learned a few composition tips. Solid 4/5.
Honestly, the tour was okay but not quite what I expected. The guide did try to keep us away from the main crowds, but we still ended up waiting for photo spots. The sunrise view was nice, but I felt rushed at the top. Maybe I just had high hopes. Worth it if you're short on time, but I'd probably go on my own next time.