Taipei 101 Photography Spots: Where to Shoot Without Crowds

I still remember the first time I led a photo tour to Taipei 101. A client showed up with a tripod as tall as me—only to find out he couldn't set it up on Elephant Mountain without a permit. Total rookie mistake. But you know what? Most online guides won't tell you that. They just copy-paste the same old spots without the gritty details.

After guiding hundreds of photographers over the years, I've dialed in exactly where to plant your feet for that jaw-dropping shot of Taiwan's iconic skyscraper. Whether you're packing a mirrorless rig or just your iPhone, this guide saves you time and frustsration. Let's cut the fluff and dive into the real deal.

Why Most Tourists Get It Wrong

First off, the dreaded mid-day sun. I can't count how many travelers I've seen melting at Elephant Mountain at 2 PM, thinking they'll get a clear view. Nope—haze and harsh shadows ruin everything. Then there's the observation deck on the 89th floor. Sure, it's iconic, but the glass reflects like crazy if you're not at the right angle. And forget about using a tripod up there—I've seen security swoop in before the shutter clicks.

Here's the thing: most people follow the crowd to the same three spots. But I'm about to show you a few secret gems that even some locals don't know.

Top 5 Taipei 101 Photography Spots (With Exact GPS)

Deeper Dive Into Each Spot

1. Elephant Mountain – The Iconic Look, But Not for Everyone

Let's be real: Elephant Mountain is the most Instagrammable spot. But here's a catch—the climb is 600 steps, and it gets brutally packed at sunset. I always tell my groups to start hiking by 3:30 PM to claim a spot at the first viewing platform. There are multiple platforms, but the sixth one (highest) is actually worse for photos because you're too far. Stick to the third or fourth platform for the perfect composition.

And no, you can't fly a drone there—the area is a no-fly zone. I've seen tourists get scolded by police, so don't risk it.

2. Songshan Cultural Park – The Reflection Game

This is my personal favorite for moody shots. The pond catches Taipei 101 on calm days. I once got a stunning reflection at 6 AM with zero tourists—felt like a private photoshoot. The park itself has old tobacco warehouses that make for cool foregrounds. Downside? The pond can be algae-green in summer. Plan for the day after a rain shower when the water is clearer.

3. MRT Exit 4 – Urban Geometry

Sound weird? Hear me out. The interior of Taipei 101's MRT station has this futuristic ceiling that frames the building perfectly when you look up. It's a bit tricky because the station is busy, but if you wait 5 minutes, you'll get a gap between commuters. I've seen great wide-angle shots with the platform escalators leading the eye to the tower. Use a slow shutter if you want light trails from the trains.

4. Xiangshan Park – The Secret Base

Most tourists don't know this park exists. It's a small green space right next to the base of Taipei 101. There's a little pond that mirrors the building. Go early—before 8 AM—when the light is soft and the maintenance crew hasn't started. I've taught many pros to use the fountain as a foreground element. Only downside: mosquitoes. Bring repellent.

5. Grand Hotel Taipei – The Classic Frame

This one's a bit away (15-minute taxi from Xinyi), but worth it for a different vibe. The Grand Hotel's red pillars and gold roof contrast beautifully with Taipei 101's modern steel. You don't need a room—just walk into the lobby and head to the back garden. Use a telephoto lens to compress the distance. I like to shoot at f/8 for sharpness and expose for the highlights.

How to Avoid Crowds at the Observation Deck

The 89th-floor observatory is a zoo during the day. But here's my trick: go at 8 PM on a weekday. The last entry is 9 PM, and the crowd thins out after 7:30 PM. You'll get the glittering city lights with way less glass glare because the lights inside the observation room are dimmed.

Also, skip the 'Fast Track' ticket—it's overpriced and still queues. Instead, book a 'Skyline Taipei' pass via the official website (taipei-101.com.tw) that includes the 101st floor. Fewer people there because of the higher price, but the 360-degree view is unbeatable. And please—leave your tripod at the hotel. They're strictly forbidden, but a small Gorillapod can be hidden in a bag and used on the window sills.

What Camera Gear Do I Really Need?

I've shot Taipei 101 with everything from a Canon 5D to an iPhone. Here's the honest breakdown:

• Smartphone (iPhone 15 Pro / Samsung S24): Perfect for ultrawide shots at the MRT station and Songshan pond. Use night mode on the observation deck (brace against window).
• Mirrorless / DSLR: A 24-70mm lens covers 80% of situations. For Elephant Mountain, I'd bring a 70-200mm to compress layers. A wide-angle 16-35mm is killer for the MRT shot.
• Tripod: Don't bring a full-size tripod anywhere except maybe Songshan Park (and even then, security might ask you to move). A tabletop tripod or Gorillapod is your best friend.
• Filters: Polarizing filter for reflections and ND filter for long exposures during sunset.

Best Time to Shoot Taipei 101

Simple: the 'blue hour' after sunset in winter. November to February gives you a clear sky more often, and the sun sets around 5 PM, so you can capture the transition from sunset to city lights. Summer sucks for landscape photos—high humidity creates haze that turns Taipei 101 into a faint silhouette. If you must go in summer, aim for 6 AM when the air is cleanest after overnight rain.

For the reflection at Songshan, early morning (around 6:30 AM) when the wind is still—no ripples on the water. I once got a mirror-like reflection at 5:45 AM and it felt like a secret only I knew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (From a Local Guide)

• Using your phone's digital zoom. This is the #1 sin. You'll get grainy mush. Instead, crop later or invest in a cheap clip-on telephoto lens.
• Ignoring the weather. Check windy.com or a real-time cam. If humidity is above 80%, skip the rooftop spots.
• Wearing the wrong shoes. Elephant Mountain's steps are uneven and can be slippery. I've seen heels on the trail—don't be that person.
• Forgetting to charge. Power banks are cheap; the nearest 7-Eleven sells them, but better to bring your own.
• Assuming international credit cards work. Many small shops and even the MRT ticket machines only accept local payment (EasyCard or cash). Carry at least NT$1000 in small bills.

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