Yan Zhou
Quick Guide: What You'll Find Here
Stop scrolling through generic Taipei guides. I've been leading small groups up Elephant Mountain for years, and I still see tourists making the same mistakes — showing up at noon, wearing flip-flops, or missing the hidden trail that cuts the crowd by 80%. Let me save you the hassle.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is Taipei's most accessible viewpoint, yet most foreign visitors don't realize how much there is beyond the main platform. In this guide, I'll share the exact route I take with my clients, the best times for that jaw-dropping Taipei 101 shot, and a few secrets the big tour buses won't tell you.
Why Elephant Mountain?
Because nothing beats the skyline from here. The trail is short (really short), the view is iconic, and it's free. No entry fee, no queues (except at sunset). You'll see Taipei 101 towering right in front, with the entire city sprawled below. On clear days, you can even spot the mountains in the north.
How to Get There
Address: Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City (the trail entrance is clearly marked).
By MRT: Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station (Exit 2). From there, it's a 10-minute walk: head east on Xinyi Road, pass the Grand Hyatt, and you'll see the trail sign at the corner of Lane 150. Alternatively, from Xiangshan Station (Exit 2), walk about 15 minutes uphill – this way is slightly steeper but less crowded.
By Bus: Take bus 1, 22, 33, 37, 38, 226, 288, or 665 to “Wu Zhi Shan” stop. Walk 5 minutes to the entrance.
By Taxi/ Uber: From Taipei Main Station, about NTD 200-250. Show this: “請到象山步道入口（信義路五段150巷）”.
Best Time to Hike
Hands down, late afternoon (3:30 PM to 5 PM). You'll get golden light on Taipei 101, then watch the sunset and the city lights turn on. Summer sunset is around 6:30 PM; winter around 5 PM. Check the weather app: avoid days with heavy haze or rain.
But here's a non-obvious tip: early morning (5:30-7 AM) is incredible if you want solitude. The first glow hits the skyscrapers, and you'll have the trail almost to yourself. Plus, no heat.
Midday? Big mistake. Harsh light, sweating, and crowded. I always tell my clients: never go between 11 AM and 2 PM unless you like selfies with hundred strangers.
Trail Difficulty & Time
Elephant Mountain is a mild to moderate hike. The main trail is a paved stone staircase with railings. Most people (including kids and seniors) can do it. Time breakdown:
| Segment | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to First Viewing Platform | 10-15 min | Easy (steep stairs) |
| To the Main Viewing Platform (highest) | 20-25 min | Moderate (260m elevation gain) |
| To the Six Giant Rocks (alternative viewpoint) | 30 min | Moderate, a bit hidden |
| Total round trip (including stops) | 1-1.5 hours | Easy for fit visitors |
Important: The trail is all stairs. If you have knee issues, bring a walking stick or take it slow. No handrails on some sections, but they're adding more.
Best Photo Spots
- Main Viewing Platform — classic shot, but often crowded. Best at sunrise (empty) or 30 min before sunset (packed).
- Six Giant Rocks (巨石公園) — just 5 minutes further up the unmarked path to the left. Less people, more natural foreground. My favorite spot for portrait shots.
- Side platform near the top restroom — if the main platform is madness, this spot gives a unique angle with tree branches framing Taipei 101.
What to Bring
- Water: at least 500ml. There's a water fountain at the entrance only.
- Good shoes: those stairs are slippery when damp. No heels, no sandals.
- Light jacket: even in summer, the top can be breezy after sunset.
- Flashlight/phone light: if you stay for sunset, the trail gets dark fast.
- Cash for snacks: near the entrance, a small stall sells drinks and ice pops (cash only).
- Mosquito repellent: especially after rain.
Nearby Attractions
After your hike, you're right next to Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, and the Xinyi District's nightlife. A few suggestions:
- Elephant Mountain Trail connects to the Four Beasts Mountain System — if you want a longer hike, continue to the Tiger, Leopard, or Lion peaks.
- Taipei 101 Observatory — skip it if you already saw the view from the mountain, but the indoor experience has exhibits.
- Dadaocheng Wharf — 20 minutes by MRT, perfect for a relaxing evening walk.
Incredible value for a free outdoor activity. The hike up Elephant Mountain was the highlight of my Taipei trip. I went just before sunset, and the sky turned shades of pink and orange behind Taipei 101—absolutely unforgettable. The stairs are a workout but the reward is worth every drop of sweat. Even locals come here to exercise. Friendly tip: bring a small flashlight for the way down after dark. 10/10 would do again.
Solid 4 out of 5 for me. The views are genuinely stunning—especially right after sunset when the city starts to glow. The trail is short but steep; felt my legs the next day. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the lack of shade and seating. There’s almost no bench to rest, and on a hot day it’s brutal. Also, the lower platform gets way too crowded; go all the way to the highest point for better peace. Still, a must-do in Taipei.
Hands down the best cityscape viewpoint I’ve ever hiked to. The path is well-maintained, stairs are a killer though—about 1,500 steps from the entrance. I’m a regular hiker and even I was huffing. But once you reach the top, the 360-degree view of Taipei and the iconic 101 tower is jaw-dropping. Perfect for golden hour photography. Came back the next morning for sunrise—less crowded, totally magical.
Great view of Taipei 101, no doubt, but honestly I was a bit disappointed by the crowds. We went on a Saturday afternoon and the viewing platform was packed—people jostling for photos, selfie sticks everywhere. The trail itself is fine (watch your step, lots of roots), but the experience felt more like a tourist queue than a peaceful hike. If you go, aim for a weekday early morning. Still worth it for the skyline, but manage expectations.
Sunset from Elephant Mountain is absolutely unreal. Got there around 4:30 PM, secured a spot on the upper platform, and watched the city lights flicker on as Taipei 101 turned golden. The hike is steep but manageable—maybe 20 minutes if you're in decent shape. Bring water and a tripod if you want those long-exposure shots. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Taipei!