Hiking Mount Elephant in Taipei: A Must-Visit

Hiking Mount Elephant in Taipei

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Known for its modern architecture, bustling shopping malls, and advanced technology, this city spans just 272 square kilometers and is home to around 2.7 million people. In addition to locals, you’ll find people from all over the world living here.

Although I’m not particularly fond of cities, I have a soft spot for Taiwan. Like Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Taipei offers not only skyscrapers but also scenic mountains. While these mountains are not very tall, they certainly enhance the city’s beauty. On the night before visiting Alishan, we decided to take in the nighttime view of Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain.

Although there are several viewpoints to admire Taipei 101, the best view is from Elephant Mountain. We took the Taipei Metro’s red line to Xiangshan MRT station. From Exit 2, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the mountain trail entrance. Despite being called a “mountain,” its height is quite modest. However, the term “mountain” is commonly used for simplicity.

Elephant Mountain, or Xiangshan, stands at just 183 meters. Its name comes from its elephant-like shape. Reaching the summit from the trailhead takes about 20 to 30 minutes, even if you hike at a slow pace. It took us only 13 minutes to climb the 1,400-meter trail.

The trail consists entirely of stairs, making the climb a bit strenuous. You’ll need to tackle around 600 steps to reach the summit. Fortunately, there are flat resting spots along the way that also offer stunning views of Taipei 101 and the cityscape. The trail is open 24 hours, so you can visit at any time, and there’s no entry fee.

Both daytime and nighttime views are spectacular, so there’s no need to worry about timing your visit. One thing to keep in mind is to walk on the right side of the trail. The left side leads to other trails, while the right side takes you to the summit. From the summit, or the final viewpoint along the way, you can enjoy a serene view of the bustling city below, including the illuminated Taipei 101.

During our hike, we saw many foreigners, most of whom were Korean. Living in Korea, we can easily recognize Koreans and even had conversations with some of them, thanks to our knowledge of the language. Along the trail, you’ll also come across large boulders, which are popular spots for social media photos. One of these boulders resembles an elephant, further justifying the mountain’s nickname.

At the summit, we met a Taiwanese couple enjoying the city’s nighttime view. They were lighting lanterns and having fun. We joined them for a chat, but I mistakenly referred to them as Chinese, which offended them. They explained that they prefer to identify as Taiwanese.

After spending about two hours admiring the colorful lights of the city and the stunning Taipei 101, we descended the mountain. From there, we headed to Taipei Main Station, as we planned to leave for Alishan that night, located about 330 kilometers from Taipei.

Why You Should Visit Mount Elephant

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone who wants to catch a great view of Taipei, Mount Elephant should definitely be on your travel list. This small hill is only 183 meters high, but it offers an incredible view of Taipei’s skyline, including the famous Taipei 101 building. It’s the perfect spot for those who love a peaceful escape, even though you’re still within the city.

If you want a great city view without hiking for hours, this is your perfect spot! The trail is short but steep, and it only takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the summit. Trust me, the view is worth every step.

Hiking Route to Mount Elephant

• To get to the trailhead, take the Taipei Metro Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line). Get off at the Xiangshan MTR Station, and exit through Exit 2. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk to the base of the mountain. Once you leave the station, look for signs pointing towards the trail, which is well-marked.
• The Xiangshan Trail is easy to follow, and while the path is mainly stairs, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. The total hike is about 1,400 meters long, and with a relaxed pace, you’ll reach the summit in about 15 minutes. Don’t worry, there are several flat spots along the way where you can catch your breath while enjoying the view.

Best Time to Visit

The Xiangshan Trail is open 24/7, so you can visit at any time of day or night. However, I recommend visiting in the evening to catch the night view of Taipei, especially if you want to see the lights of Taipei 101 shine brightly in the dark. The nighttime view is absolutely stunning, and it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city below.

If you prefer to hike during the day, the city looks just as beautiful, but the view is less magical. Sunrise and sunset are also great times to visit for photographers who want to capture the city’s beauty in natural light.

The best part about hiking Mount Elephant is that it’s completely free! There are no entry fees, so you can enjoy the view without spending a dime. You can go whenever you want, as the trail is always open, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Tips for Hiking Mount Elephant

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trail involves lots of stairs, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes that are good for hiking.
2. Bring Water: It can get a bit warm during the day, so it’s always a good idea to carry a bottle of water.
3. Keep to the Right: When hiking, make sure to walk on the right side of the trail. The left side is for those who are taking other trails, so to stay on the main route, always stick to the right.

How to Get There

1. By Metro: Take the Red Line to Xiangshan Station, and exit through Exit 2. From here, it’s just a short walk to the trail.
2. By Taxi: You can also take a taxi directly to the Xiangshan Station, then follow the walking directions.
3. By Bus: Several bus lines pass near Xiangshan Station, so you can also take a bus if you prefer.

Hiking Mount Elephant in Taipei is an experience you should definitely add to your bucket list. It’s easy to access, offers stunning views, and is a great way to escape the busy city without leaving Taipei. Whether you’re there to catch a glimpse of the city skyline, enjoy a peaceful moment, or just get some exercise, the Xiangshan Trail offers a perfect combination of nature and city beauty.

So, if you’re in Taipei, don’t miss this opportunity! It’s the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and stunning city views all in one place.