Elephant Mountain

Address Xiangshan Trail, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
Hours Open 24 hours (The trail is illuminated at night)
Phone Not applicable
Announcement: Best City Skyline View
Entrance ¥0
Hours Open 24 hours (The...
Best Season Begin the hike aro...
Time needed 1.5–2 hours
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Qiang Huang
Reviewer: Zhihao Wang

Elephant Mountain Overview

A steeply paved urban hiking trail offering the most iconic, unobstructed panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding city skyline. It is the premier location for cityscape and sunset photography in Taipei.

Elephant Mountain Opening Hours & Tickets

  • Open 24 hours (The trail is illuminated at night)
  • Best season: Begin the hike around 16:30 in autumn or winter. This allows you to catch the golden hour, the sunset, and the city lights turning on.
  • Ticket note: Completely free and open to the public without gates or tickets.

Essential Elephant Mountain Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: Not applicable
  • Paved stone steps
  • Multiple wooden viewing platforms
  • Public restrooms near the trailhead

How to Get to Elephant Mountain

Take the Taipei Metro (Red Line) to Xiangshan Station (Exit 2). Follow the signs through Zhongqiang Park for about 10 minutes to reach the trailhead.

Elephant Mountain Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 119. Be cautious descending the stairs at night or after rain, as they can become quite slippery.

Practical Info

  • Xiangshan Trail, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Open 24 hours (The trail is illuminated at night)
  • Not applicable
Qiang Huang
Qiang Huang
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Qiang Huang, a Shanghai-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Shanghai skyscraper and luxury shopping tour, culinary innovation tour, and West Bund art walk.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.4 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Completely free and open to the public without gates or tickets.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Bring plenty of drinking water and strong mosquito repellent. If the first platform is too crowded, keep climbing for another 10 minutes to...

Reality Check

  • It is an intense, steep stair climber workout, not a casual stroll.
  • The humidity in summer makes the hike incredibly sweaty.
  • The main viewing platforms get packed with photographers' tripods hours before sunset.
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Recent Reviews

4.4 ★★★★☆ (5)
Sam_NYC Jul 07, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Maybe I had too high expectations after seeing all the photos online. The hike itself is steep and a bit taxing – I'm decently fit but my legs were burning. The view at the top is nice, don't get me wrong, but it didn't blow me away as much as I thought. Plus the mosquitoes were relentless; bring bug spray. On the bright side, it's free. Just felt a bit underwhelming overall.

Wanderlust_8 Jul 07, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Really nice spot overall. The view from the top is definitely worth the climb – you get a fantastic perspective of Taipei 101 and the whole basin. Only two things kept it from a perfect score: there weren't enough trash bins and some people left litter, which was a bummer. Also the main viewing platform is a bit small, so it gets cramped on weekends. Still, a solid experience and I'd recommend it if you're okay with crowds.

Traveller_To Jul 07, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Wow, just wow. Went in the late afternoon and watched the city lights flicker on as dusk settled. The climb is moderate – some steep parts but totally doable for a regular active person. The viewing area was crowded but we made friends with people from all over the world. Such a magical atmosphere. Don't skip this when in Taipei!

MiaLovesHike Jul 07, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

As a hiking enthusiast, this trail is a gem. Well-maintained steps, plenty of shaded areas, and the payoff at the top is unreal. The panoramic view of Taipei, especially with the mountains in the background, is stunning. Even on a weekday it got busy, but everyone was polite. Bring water and a camera – you'll want to capture every angle. Highly recommended!

Jake_Adventu Jul 07, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely incredible! The hike up Elephant Mountain is a must-do in Taipei. I went just before sunset and the view of Taipei 101 and the city skyline was breathtaking. The stairs are a bit of a workout, but totally worth it. Pro tip: go early to grab a good spot on the viewing platform. I'll never forget that golden hour glow!

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Elephant Mountain Travel FAQ

Is the Elephant Mountain trail open 24/7?
Technically yes, the trail is always open with no gates. But I strongly advise against hiking at night (after 8 PM) — the path is dimly lit and there have been occasional incidents of stray dogs. Stick to daytime.
How much does it cost to climb Elephant Mountain?
Zero. The trail is completely free. No ticket, no permit. The only cost is your transport to the base.
Can I bring my drone to Elephant Mountain?
Drones are prohibited in this area because it's close to Taipei 101 and a flight path. I've seen tourists get their drones confiscated by police. Don't risk it.
Is Elephant Mountain suitable for children or elderly?
Yes, but take breaks. The stairs are steep in sections. For elderly with mobility issues, I recommend going only to the first viewing platform (10 minutes) and then turning back. There are benches along the way.
What's the best way to avoid crowds?
Go on a weekday at sunrise (6 AM). On weekends, even early morning sees a crowd. Another trick: after sunset, most people leave, but the city lights are gorgeous — linger 20 minutes past sunset and the main platform will empty out.
Are there bathrooms on the trail?
Only one public bathroom near the entrance. At the top, there are no facilities. Use the restroom at the MRT station (Taipei 101/World Trade Center) before you start.
Is the hike from Taipei 101 to Elephant Mountain suitable for kids or older people?
It depends on fitness. The stairs are steep, but I've seen 6-year-olds sprint up and 70-year-olds take it slow with breaks. No handrails on some sections, so bring a walking stick for seniors. If you're unsure, just go to the first platform — the view is already good, and it's only 5 minutes.
Can I use my international credit card at the top vendor?
No. That vendor only takes cash (NTD) or Line Pay (local app). There's an ATM at Taipei 101 mall before you start. Withdraw enough — the nearest ATM after that is at the MRT station, 10 minutes walk.
How do I get back to Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain?
You can walk back the same way (downhill takes 15 minutes) or take the MRT from Xiangshan Station (Exit 2). The station is about 300 meters from the trailhead. One stop to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Easy.
What if it rains? Any indoor alternatives nearby?
Skip the hike if it's pouring — the stairs turn into a waterfall. Instead, head to the Taipei 101 Observatory (indoor, 89th floor). You'll get a similar skyline view without getting wet. Also consider the nearby Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store's rooftop garden (free).
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