Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Elephant Mountain is Taipei's most accessible urban hike and the best place to photograph Taipei 101 — a short, steep trail on the eastern edge of the Xinyi District that climbs through subtropical forest to a series of rock outcrops providing panoramic views of the city skyline with Taipei 101 as the centrepiece. The hike takes about 20 minutes from the trailhead and is the most popular sunset activity in Taipei.

The trail begins near MRT Xiangshan station (the last stop on the Red Line) and climbs approximately 150 metres through a forest of banyan trees, palms, and the dense subtropical vegetation that covers Taipei's surrounding mountains. The viewpoints — flat rock platforms with unobstructed west-facing views — fill with photographers every evening, particularly around sunset when the golden light catches Taipei 101's glass facade and the city below begins to light up.

Elephant Mountain is part of the Nangang Mountains trail system, and hikers who continue past the main viewpoints can extend the walk to the more challenging peaks of the Four Beasts Mountains (Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, and Lion), which together provide a half-day ridge walk with continuous city views. The trailhead convenience stores (Taiwan's extraordinary convenience store culture extends to selling hiking supplies at trailheads) provide water, snacks, and the onigiri rice balls that fuel Taiwan's hikers.