Xiangshan Or The Best View In Taipei

On my second trip to Taipei, I was determined not to miss what looked like a magnificent viewpoint on the map, as my first attempt resulted in a big fail due to foggy and rainy weather.

But this time, the city greeted me with blue skies, so of course I couldn’t miss Xiangshan, or as I like to call it, one of the places with the most beautiful views of Taipei!

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Xiangshan in a few words

Xiangshan, also known as “Elephant Mountain” due to its shape resembling the animal when viewed from above, is considered an “easy”/moderate and famous trail in the city, especially if you’re looking for breathtaking views of the city and its recognizable Taipei 101 Tower.

The lush vegetation surrounding the viewpoint and the trail itself actually offers a striking contrast to the city and its permanent hustle and bustle. Plus, the fact that it’s in fact quite close to other attractions and other lively districts adds to its special atmosphere.

So if you’d like to enjoy a breathtaking panorama, whether during the day, at sunset or at night, Xiangshan won’t disappoint!

How to get there

Address: No. 31, Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

The best part is that it’s very easy to get there: just take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line (red) to Xiangshan and walk 15 minutes before your reach the start of the trail.

Note: the trail consists mainly of steep stairs, so even though it’s considered easy (I’d say moderately challenging) and it won’t take you more than an hour to reach the main observation deck, you may easily become out of breath, so pace yourself!

Tips to visit Xiangshan

• Prefer weekdays to weekends.
• Bring sturdy shoes.
• Bring plenty of water.
• Take breaks if you need to.

Nearby sights

As I mentioned earlier, altough its location is right at the end of the line, it’s also close to other attractions, which is perfect for combining your hike with a bit of sightseeing!

Taipei 101

Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan

Of course, with such a view of the tower, it can only mean it’s at a walkable distance from the trail. Count about 20 minutes to get to the famous Taipei 101 and gaze at its 508m of height.

Whether you still want to observe the city from above or just go shopping, this is a good place to start!

Linjiang Night Market

Address: Linjiang St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening hours: 18:00-00:00 every day

Craving a little snack or simply want to grab dinner after your hike in Xiangshan? Why not explore this night market and discover delicous local delicacies? The hardest part? Choosing from the hundreds of stalls!

Xinyi District

Shopping, cinema, nightlife, restaurants…, if you’re bored or simply don’t know what to do, a visit to the Xinyi District is sure to help you pass the time.

It’s also the perfect place to go during the holiday season to enjoy all the festive events on offer!

Alternative to Xiangshan: Fuzhou Shan Park

Address: Lane 195, Wolong St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
How to get there: a 20-minute walk from Linguang station and one hour from Xiangshan

Want similar views to that of Xiangshan? Head to Fuzhou Shan Park and admire the view of the city from this peaceful park. You’ll find the same steep stairs, but often less crowded!

FAQ

Is it always busy, even on weekdays?

As this trail is very famous, chances are you’re likely to meet other people, even on weekdays, but that doesn’t mean there will be hundreds of people there, don’t worry.

There will be a few people, but not that many. When I was there, there were about 10 of us. And people were coming and going, so it really wasn’t crowded.

Does the trail end at the viewing platform?

Of course not, the good thing is that you can always climb higher to admire a slightly different panorama. There are many different peaks and viewpoints, but keep in mind that the hikes will become more challenging, especially due to the many steep stairs.

Do I need any special equipment if I intend to hike Xiangshan at night?

Although the stairs are lit, I still recommend bringing a flaslight for the darker parts, or you can also use your phone light.

Another thing: bring insect repellent, especially during the hot and humid season.

Here are a few photos of Xiangshan’s breathtaking panorama:

A popular hike for one simple reason: Xiangshan will offer you the best view of Taipei! And while it requires a little effort, the panorama is definitely worth it! So if you’re in Taipei, don’t hesitate to include Xiangshan in your visit!

Planning to stay in Taipei for a few days but don’t know where to go? Here are 5 easy day trips from the city!