A Quick Evening Hike at Xiangshan（象山）, Taipei

In mid-February 2025, I visited Taipei on a business trip. After finishing all my work, I wanted to find a place nearby for a light hike on my last evening in the city. That’s when I discovered Xiangshan (象山), also known as Elephant Mountain, a great spot for a short but rewarding climb.

I took the MRT to Xiangshan Station and walked through a park to reach the trailhead. The hike itself is only a few hundred meters long, but the continuous staircase made for a nice workout. As I climbed, the sun began to set, and I arrived at the viewpoint just in time to see Taipei 101 light up against the evening sky.

The contrast between the darkening cityscape and the glowing skyscraper was breathtaking. Standing there, looking up at Taipei 101 from a mountaintop, felt strangely surreal—a building taller than the peak I had just climbed.

After descending, I decided to walk directly to Taipei 101 for dinner. Just moments ago, I was surrounded by nature, and suddenly, I was back in the middle of a vibrant, modern city. The transition from mountain tranquility to urban energy was fascinating.

With its easy access from the city and short but rewarding trail, Xiangshan is a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a quick escape into nature with an incredible view of Taipei’s skyline. Highly recommended!

How to Get to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)

By MRT: Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Line 2) to Xiangshan Station (象山站, R02). Exit at Exit 2, then walk about 10 minutes through Xiangshan Park to reach the trailhead.

Trail Info: The main Xiangshan Trail is about 20-30 minutes to the top, mostly stairs. The best time to visit is before sunset to catch both daytime and night views of Taipei 101.

Enjoy your hike!

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