Yan Zhou
What's inside this guide
Let me guess — you saw those iconic Taipei 101 shots taken from above the city skyline, and now you're itching to capture your own. I've brought more than 200 photographers up this trail over the past eight years. Here's the raw truth: most people get the timing wrong, or they leave before the real magic happens. I'll save you the trial-and-error.
The best advice I can give you in one breath: arrive by 4:30 PM for sunset, bring a tripod, and skip the main viewing platform. Why? I'll explain below.
Best Times for Elephant Mountain Photography
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) faces east — wait, that's not right? Actually, the trail faces southwest, so sunset is prime time. But there are two distinct golden periods.
Sunset & Blue Hour (16:30 - 18:30)
This is when the city lights flicker on and Taipei 201 glows. I've watched dozens of tourists pack up right after the sun dips below the horizon — they miss the best 20 minutes. Stick around until the sky turns deep indigo. The windows of Taipei 101 start reflecting colorful lights, and the contrast against the darkening sky is breathtaking.
Sunrise (05:00 - 06:30)
Yes, it's early. But sunrise gives you soft pastel colors and almost zero crowd. I've had the entire main platform to myself on a Tuesday morning. Plus, the low angle sun lights up the 101 facade beautifully.
Top Elephant Mountain Photography Spots
There isn't just one viewing platform. The main one is overcrowded. Here are my go-to positions:
| Spot | Best For | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main Viewing Platform | Wide-angle cityscape, easy access | 10 min from trailhead; crowded during sunset |
| Photo Platform (second level) | Elevated perspective, fewer people | 15 steps up from main platform; railings in frame |
| Rock Outcrop (about 50m further) | Foreground rocks + city, unique composition | Past the second platform, off the main path. Careful — slippery! |
| Six Giant Rocks Trail | Adventurous shot, less known | 25 min hike up; requires climbing over roots. Go with a friend. |
My secret favorite? The Rock Outcrop. I've framed Taipei 101 with mossy stones in the foreground — it adds a natural framing that none of the crowded platforms can offer. But you have to step off the official path. It's not dangerous, but wear sturdy shoes.
Hidden Angles & Secret Trails
Most visitors hike up the main stone steps and call it done. But Elephant Mountain has a network of smaller trails branching off. Here are two that 90% of tourists miss:
- Trail to Fuyang Eco Park viewpoint — instead of turning left at the first fork, continue straight. You'll end up at a quieter balcony with a clear view of the 101, and you can include tree branches in your composition. About 15 extra minutes.
- The "photographer's perch" behind the second toilet — sounds weird, I know. But the railing there is lower, and you can get a clean shot without the metal bars. Plus, fewer people linger around that area.
Gear & Camera Settings
You don't need a pro setup, but a few things will make a huge difference:
| Item | Why It Matters | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tripod (lightweight) | Essential for blue hour long exposures (1-4 seconds) | Manfrotto Befree or similar (carbon fiber if possible) |
| Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) | Captures the full skyline and foreground | f/2.8 if you have it; f/4 works fine on tripod |
| Remote shutter / 2-sec timer | Avoids camera shake on long exposures | Any remote or use the self-timer |
| Red flashlight | Lights up foreground rocks without washing out the scene | A small headlamp with red mode |
For settings: I usually shoot at ISO 100, f/8-f/11 for sharpness, and shutter speed between 1-6 seconds depending on ambient light. Use manual focus and set to infinite — autofocus struggles in low light. Shoot in RAW for easier white balance adjustments later.
Practical Info: Tickets, Transport & Crowd Dodgers
Entrance: Free! No ticket needed. The trailhead is open 24/7, but the steps are lit only until about 10 PM. After that, it's dark — bring a headlamp if you plan to stay late.
How to get there: Take the Taipei MRT Red Line (Danshui-Xinyi) to Xiangshan Station, Exit 2. Walk straight for about 5 minutes, you'll see a park entrance on your right. Follow the signs up. Alternatively, bus 207, 255, or 620 to "Xiangshan Park" stop.
Crowd strategy: Weekends are a mess — I've seen the platform packed three rows deep. Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you can only go on a weekend, arrive by 4 PM for sunset slots. For sunrise, any day is quiet.
FAQs
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This spot exceeded every expectation. I dragged my tripod up and stayed for two hours after sunset doing long exposures of the traffic below — the light trails turned out incredible. The hidden angle near the left side of the main deck gave me a clean shot with no tourists in frame. Only regret is not reading about the best times sooner. A must-do for any photographer visiting Taipei.
I arrived at 5:30am for sunrise and it was absolutely magical. The city was still sleepy, mist was rolling between the hills, and I had the whole upper section to myself. Found a quiet nook behind the big tree that framed Taipei 101 between branches — never seen that angle in any guide. The cool morning air and the sound of birds made the whole experience unforgettable. 10/10 would do again.
Hands down the best place to shoot Taipei 101! I followed the tips about coming 90 minutes before sunset and heading to the secondary platform off the main trail — total game changer. The golden hour light hit the building perfectly, and I got this amazing shot with the sunset colors reflecting off the glass. Zero complaints, every angle is epic. Bring a telephoto and you won’t regret it.
Nice views for sure, and the hike up is short enough. I went around 4pm and the light was okay, but I wish I'd come earlier in the morning — the afternoon sun created harsh shadows on the cityscape. Found one of the hidden angles mentioned (near the big rock) which gave a cool frame with the foliage, but the path was a bit slippery. Good spot overall, just manage your timing better than I did.
I went up on a Saturday afternoon hoping for that iconic sunset shot, but honestly it was way too crowded. The main viewing platform felt like a sardine can, and even the 'hidden' spots I tried to find were already occupied by other photographers. The air was hazy too, so the city looked washed out. Maybe I picked the wrong season, but for the hype, I left pretty disappointed. Only got a few mediocre snaps.