Fang Wang
Quick Navigation
I've led countless groups up this hill. And every single time, someone asks, "Is this the right exit?" Yes — Exit 2 of Elephant Mountain MRT Station. But don't just follow the crowd; there's a smarter way to do this hike. Let me save you the mistakes I've made over the years.
Why Elephant Mountain?
It's the most accessible skyline view in Taipei. No entrance fee, no shuttle bus, just a 15-minute walk from the station and a 20-minute climb. You get a postcard-perfect view of Taipei 101 right in front of you. And unlike climbing 101 itself (which costs around NT$600), this one is free. The catch? It's a stairmaster — over 1,000 steps. But the reward is worth every drop of sweat.
How to Get There from the MRT
Which Exit to Take
Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Elephant Mountain Station (last stop on the branch). Look for Exit 2. Once you exit, you'll see a sign pointing to the Xiangshan Hiking Trail. Walk straight for about 3 minutes on Songren Road, then turn left onto Lane 150. Follow the lane until you see the trailhead entrance — it's a stone arch with a map.
Walking Time from Station to Trailhead
About 12–15 minutes at a normal pace. If you're power-walking, 8 minutes. The path is flat and paved, but there are a few steps near the entrance. No need for a taxi — just walk.
Best Time to Visit
Most guides will tell you to go at sunrise or sunset. I'll give you the real scoop: 4:00 PM to sunset is the sweet spot. Here's why:
- Before 10 AM: You'll get clear skies but harsh shadows on Taipei 101. The city looks flat.
- 11 AM – 3 PM: Brutal sun. The trail has little shade. I've seen people almost faint. Plus, the haze makes the view hazy.
- 3:30 PM onward: The light turns golden. By 4:30 PM, the city starts to glow. If you stay until 5:30 PM (depending on season), you'll catch the sunset and the transition to city lights — two views in one climb.
What to Expect on the Trail
Difficulty Level
Moderate. It's all stairs — about 1,000 steps to the top viewing platform. Most people (including my 65-year-old aunt) can make it in 20–25 minutes. There are benches along the way if you need a break. No shade, so bring water and a hat.
Facilities
There's a small convenience store (7-Eleven) near Exit 2 of the MRT — grab water and snacks there. At the trailhead, there's a public restroom. But let me warn you: the restroom at the trailhead is often out of toilet paper and not very clean. Use the one at the MRT station before you start. There are no restrooms or water fountains on the trail.
Crowds
The main viewing platform (Xiangshan Square) can get very crowded at sunset. If you want a more peaceful spot, continue up the stairs another 5 minutes to the Guanyin Pavilion — it's less crowded and offers a slightly different angle. I always take my smaller groups there.
Tips for the Perfect Shot
- Best vantage point: The iconic shot of Taipei 101 rising over the city — that's from the main platform, but the foreground rocks are often occupied. Arrive early to claim a spot.
- Golden hour: Between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, the sunlight warms up the 101 tower. Use a polarizer if you have one to cut glare.
- Night shots: After sunset, the city lights up. Bring a tripod if you want sharp long exposures. But the platform is small — a gorillapod works better.
- Avoid noon: The light is flat and the heat is miserable. I've seen too many tourists wipe sweat off their lenses.
Nearby Food & Attractions
Where to Eat After the Hike
You'll be hungry. Head back to the MRT station area. My go-to is Yong He Soy Milk King (a 5-minute walk from Exit 1). It's open 24 hours — perfect for a post-hike snack of scallion pancake and hot soymilk. For a sit-down meal, try Din Tai Fung at Taipei 101 (one stop by MRT or a 20-minute walk). But expect a queue — I always book via the app in advance.
Other Attractions Near Elephant Mountain
- Taipei 101 Observatory: If you want the skyscraper view from above, it's a 15-minute walk away. Tickets are NT$600 for adults, but many prefer the free mountain view.
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: Two stops by MRT. Great for art exhibitions and café hopping.
- Xinyi Shopping District: Luxury malls and street food — walkable from the station.
FAQs
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
As a photographer, Elephant Mountain MRT Station is my new favorite launch point. Exit 2 spits you out right near the trail, and the lighting at golden hour is perfect for catching the city behind the trees. The station itself is small and easy to navigate, even with a tripod bag. My only tiny gripe is that the escalators were out of service when I visited, so I had to haul my gear up the stairs. But the payoff—that classic shot of Taipei 101 from the ridge—made it all worth it. 5 stars for convenience and iconic views.
Fell in love with this little station! It's not flashy, but it's efficient. I appreciated the clean bathrooms and the friendly staff member who pointed me to the hiking path when I looked confused. The walk from the station to the trail is literally two minutes. I went early morning and had the trail almost to myself. The sunrise from the top with Taipei 101 glowing was pure magic. If you're in Taipei, don't skip this combo—station and hike together make an unforgettable morning.
This MRT station is perfectly placed for the Elephant Mountain hike. I arrived late afternoon, took exit 2, and within 5 minutes I was climbing the steps. The station has a decent convenience store right inside the exit, so I grabbed water. The whole experience from train to trail was smooth. The view from the top is iconic—totally worth the sweat. I'd rate the station a 4 only because the platforms get really packed during rush hour, but as a hiking launch pad it's a 5.
I was a bit disappointed honestly. The station is clean and modern, sure, but the connection to the hike isn't as seamless as I expected. There were no clear signs pointing to the trailhead once you exit, and I ended up walking around a bit lost. The hike itself was crowded and the stairway felt narrower than I'd like. For a 'gateway' it could use better signage and maybe a map kiosk. Not terrible, but I expected more.
Honestly, the station itself is just a normal MRT stop, but its real value is the access to the Elephant Mountain trail. Super convenient, exit 2 gets you right there in a few minutes. The hike up to the viewing platform is steep but short, and the 101 views at sunset are absolutely breathtaking. Only complaint: the station has limited food options right around it, so grab a snack beforehand. Overall, a must-do in Taipei!