What to expect
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) produces the definitive image of Taipei: the emerald scales of the Xinyi District skyline pierced by the Taipei 101 skyscraper. This isn’t a remote wilderness trek but an intensive urban hiking trail consisting almost entirely of steep stone stairs.
The ascent through the humid sub-tropical forest takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace. The path is well-lit and paved, populated by a mix of local retirees exercising at dawn and photographers setting up tripods at dusk. There are three primary vantage points. The first is the Photographers’ Platform, which offers a clear sightline of the tower. Higher up, the Six Giant Rocks provide an elevated perch where visitors often climb the boulders for portraits, though it becomes congested on weekends. The final stop is the Xiangshan Pavilion, providing a wider panorama that stretches across the city basin towards the Keelung River.
A bit of history
The peak is part of the Nangang Mountain Range, a series of sandstone and shale ridges that hem in the eastern edge of the Taipei Basin. It takes its name from its silhouette, which locals thought resembled an elephant’s head; it is grouped with its neighbours—Lion, Leopard, and Tiger mountains—to form the "Four Beasts."
Historically, these hills served as a natural barrier and a source of coal and timber during the Japanese colonial period. Following the construction of Taipei 101 in 2004, Xiangshan evolved from a local exercise spot into a global landmark. The transformation of the surrounding Xinyi District from marshland to a financial hub has made the mountain the premier seat for viewing the New Year’s Eve fireworks, an event that sees people camping on the ridges 24 hours in advance.
Practical tips
- Timing: To avoid the worst of the heat and the largest tourist groups, start your climb before 08:00. Alternatively, arrive an hour before sunset to watch the city transition from daylight into a grid of neon.
- Gear: Do not be fooled by the short distance. The humidity makes the climb draining. Carry a bottle of water (there are no vendors on the trail itself) and wear mosquito repellent, particularly if you are hiking at twilight.
- Footwear: The stone steps become dangerously slick after Taipei’s frequent afternoon thundershowers. Wear shoes with reliable grip.
- Facilities: There are public toilets near the trailhead entrance in Xiangshan Park, but nothing once you start the ascent.
- The Loop: Most tourists go up and down the same way. For a quieter experience, continue past the top towards 9-5 Peak or descend towards the Old Yongchun Lane trailhead to see smaller shrines tucked into the rock faces.
Getting there
The trailhead is located in the Xinyi District. Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to the terminal station, Xiangshan.
Exit through Exit 2 and walk straight through Xiangshan Park, following the edge of the basketball courts. Turn left at the end of the park and follow the road uphill past the Nung Cheng Fa Buddhist temple; the stone staircase entrance is clearly marked with English signage. The walk from the metro station to the start of the stairs takes approximately 10 minutes. Taxis from the base of Taipei 101 take less than five minutes but given the traffic in Xinyi, the metro is consistently faster.