![[2024 Updated] Hiking Elephant Mountain: Beginner's Guide to Taipei's Best City Views](https://en.hshsharehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240918175451_0_cc78f7.jpg)
Wondering what to do in Taipei? If you love venturing outdoors, the hike up Elephant Mountain (象山, Xiangshan) is a must-do activity! Just a short distance from the bustling city center, this popular trail offers panoramic views of Taipei, with the iconic Taipei 101 tower serving as the star of the show. Whether you are an avid hiker or a traveler looking for a getaway, Elephant Mountain is the perfect hiking trail for everyone visiting Taipei!
Why Should You Hike Elephant Mountain?
Are there elephants on Elephant Mountain? Nope! Why is it called Elephant Mountain, then? The mountain is named after its elephant-like shape, standing at only 183 meters high, it’s a moderately easy trail for most hikers and takes an average of less than 30 minutes to reach the summit.
Located in the south-eastern section of Xinyi District, Elephant Mountain is one of the Four Beast Mountains (四獸山), which include Lion (獅山), Leopard (豹山), and Tiger (虎山) mountains, and is mainly composed of sandstone. The trails of Elephant Mountain are teeming with diverse ferns, trees, birds, and insects, making it a vibrant spot for nature lovers. From day until night, you can take in the spectacular views of Taipei at the mountain peak.
Popular attractions near Elephant Mountain include Taipei 101, 44 South Military Village, Xiangshan Park, and Linjiang Night Market. Plan for a half-day or full-day trip to explore Elephant Mountain and the surrounding Xinyi district, follow our guide to make sure you get the best experience of hiking Elephant Mountain!
How to Get To Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail
By MRT
Elephant Mountain is located in the Xinyi District, just minutes away from Taipei 101. The easiest way to get there is by taking the MRT to Xiangshan Station (Red Line), the final stop on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line. From Exit 2, you can easily walk to the trailhead in 10 minutes.
By Bus
If you are taking the bus to Elephant Mountain, below are the bus stops near the most popular entrances to the mountain.
- Lingyun Temple Trailhead (靈雲宮登山口): Take Bus 32 and 266 to Xinyi Junior High School Songren Station (信義國中松仁站)
- Shiliao Trailhead (市療步道登山口): Take Bus 46 and Green 16 to Songde Station (松德站)
- Yanzi Temple Trailhead (顏子廟登山口): Take Bus 46 and Green 16 to Songde Station (松德站)
- Yongchungang Trailhead (永春崗步道登山口): Take Bus 20 and 286 to Yongchun High School Station (永春高中站)
Note: The Beixingbao Temple trailhead (北星寶宮登山口) is located in the mountains, it only takes 5 minutes to reach the summit.
Hiking the Elephant Mountain Trail
How Long Does It Take to Hike Elephant Mountain?
Though the Elephant Mountain trail is just 1.5 kilometers, the steep stairs can make it feel more challenging. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the top viewing platform, depending on your pace.
To fully enjoy the hike, including time for photos and breaks, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours round trip from Xiangshan MRT station.
Fast hikers can complete the hike in about an hour, but if you want to explore more of the trail and take in the views, two hours gives you plenty of time to soak in the beauty of Elephant Mountain.
Is Elephant Mountain Free to Hike?
Elephant Mountain is free to hike.
Is Elephant Mountain Hard to Hike?
Elephant Mountain is a relatively easy hike for most people, but the difficulty depends on your fitness level and hiking experience. The trail is mostly flat but can be a little challenging as you climb up towards the Six Boulders viewpoint due to the steepness of the steps.
How Many Steps Does Elephant Mountain Have?
There are approximately 600 steps from the trailhead to the top of Elephant Mountain.
What to Wear for Your Elephant Mountain Hike
While much of the trail is shaded by trees, some sections and viewpoints are exposed to the sun. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing.
Elephant Mountain Opening Hours
Elephant Mountain is open 24/7, all year round.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to go are weekdays early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler. Weekends can be quite busy, especially near sunset when tourists and locals flock to the trail for the perfect view. Elephant Mountain trail is well-lit at night, therefore it’s safe to hike after dark, catching a glimpse of Taipei’s beauty at night.
Are There Restroom Facilities on Elephant Mountain?
There are 3 restroom facilities along the trails of Elephant Mountain. We suggest you take your restroom break inside the MRT Xiangshan Station before you head to the trailhead for a hike.
Weather and Other Tips
Check the weather forecast before you head to Elephant Mountain. The trail can get slippery after rain. Taipei’s heat and humidity can be intense during summer months, be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated if you’re visiting between June and September.
Recommended Route: Lingyun Temple Trailhead
Elephant Mountain has three main trailheads: Yongchungang Trailhead (永春崗步道登山口), Beixingbao Temple trailhead (北星寶宮登山口) and Lingyun Temple Trailhead (靈雲宮登山口). We recommend taking the Lingyun Temple Trailhead as it is the most popular and accessible route for most hikers. Although a little steep, this trail offers you serene scenery of the beautiful Xiangshan Park (象山公園) and quaint cafés and shops in surrounding alleys, follow our steps below for the best Elephant Mountain hiking experience!
MRT Xiangshan Station Exit #2 → Sanli Park (三犁公園) → Lingyun Temple Trailhead (靈雲宮登山口) → The Photographer Platform (攝手平台) → The Six Boulders (六巨石) → Photographer’s Lookout (攝影平台) → Yixian Pavilion (逸賢亭)
Start from Exit #2 of Xiangshan Station, stroll through the natural greenery of Xiangshan Park, then follow the signs to Sanli Park. After a 5-minute uphill walk, you’ll reach the Lingyun Temple Trailhead (Google map here). Take a breather or use the restroom before hitting the trail.
When the road splits, head right toward the summit. Your first stop is the Photographer Platform (Google map here), offering stunning views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. A bit further up, after a steep section, you’ll see the white Elephant Mountain stone monument and arrive at the trail’s iconic viewpoint—the Six Boulders (Google map here).
Keep going to reach the Photographer’s Lookout (not to be confused with the Photographer Platform, Google map here), a spacious viewpoint where photographers gather yearly to shoot Taipei 101’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. Rest, relax, and take in the best view of the Taipei skyline up here.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the Yixian Pavilion, marking the summit of Elephant Mountain. From here, you can either explore other trails or head back to Lingyun Temple Trailhead to check out the nearby Xinyi district!
Main Scenic Points
The Photographer Platform (攝手平台)
The Photographer Platform is an easily accessible wooden platform that allows hikers to catch a breath or snap photos of Taipei 101 halfway through the trail. This spot is packed on New Year’s Eve, with people arriving up to five hours early to secure the best viewing spot for the fireworks. For a quieter experience, head to Chaoran Pavilion (超然亭, Google map here) near the Beixingbao Temple trailhead—it’s a less-crowded hidden gem favored by seasoned hikers and pro photographers.
The Six Boulders (六巨石)
The Six Boulders is the most famous viewing point on Elephant Mountain, where large rocks known as Lao Lai Gorge (老萊峽) provide the perfect perch for an Instagram-worthy shot. Climb onto one of the boulders for an epic view of Taipei with the towering Taipei 101 in the foreground. The view at sunset is particularly magical, as the sun dips behind the mountains and the city lights start to twinkle.
Note that the crowds can get a bit cramped before sunset. Be sure to stay safe while you take in the scenery and snap beautiful photos at The Six Boulders.
Chaoran Pavilion (超然亭)
Hike your way past Xiangshan Ridge (象山岡) and Yixian Pavilion (逸賢亭), and you will see the Chaoran Pavilion, a spot that’s less crowded by tourists, but often packed with professional photographers aiming to take photos of Taipei 101.
A Thread of Sky (一線天)
A Thread of Sky (Google map here) is a narrow passage between two large rocks on the lower section of the Elephant Mountain trail. You can’t miss it on your way descending from the summit, but be careful that the path is often wet and slippery, and its narrow width only allows one person to pass at a time.
What to Expect During the Hike
On your way hiking up Elephant Mountain, you will come across flora such as golden oak, Chinese evergreen oak, and Chinese Guger-tree in the lush greenery. There are a few rest stops along the trail, including small shelters, benches, washrooms and water fountains, so you can pause and enjoy the views before continuing your climb. You might even spot beautiful fauna such as Taiwan Barbet, Japanese White-eye, Black Bulbul, Bamboo Cicada, and Swinhoe’s Giant Snail.
Nearby Attractions
After completing your hike, there’s plenty more to explore in the nearby area. If you’re up for more hiking, the Xiangshan Hiking Trail extends beyond Elephant Mountain and connects to other trails, leading you deeper into the hills for more nature and serenity.
Back down in the city, the Xinyi District is home to the famous Taipei 101 Mall, where you can shop, dine, or take the high-speed elevator up to the Taipei 101 Observatory for another stunning view of the city.
Here are some of the most popular attractions nearby for you to discover the treasures of Taipei:
Taipei 101 (台北101)
Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 (Google map here) is a must-visit landmark in Taipei. Its striking design and panoramic observatory offer breathtaking views of the city. Here, you can ride the ultra-high-speed elevator that takes you from the 5th to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. At the Observation Deck 382 meters high, you can see the world’s largest Tuned Mass Damper. Beyond the skyline, you’ll find world-class dining such as Din Tai Fung, luxury shopping, and the “Stunning Taiwan” exhibition, where visitors can learn about Taiwan’s history via interactive somatosensory devices.
44 South Military Village (四四南村)
44 South Military Village (Google map here) is a former military dependents village that has been converted into a cultural park in Xinyi District of Taipei City. It is now a hub of cafés, crafts stores, and bookstores, and the popular spot where creative markets are held. You can see Taipei 101 clearly from here with a different view.
Xiangshan Park (象山公園)
Just beside Exit 2 of MRT Xiangshan Station, Xiangshan Park (Google map here) is a serene escape from the city. It houses a tree frog sanctuary to provide and sustain the species of Taiwan tree frogs (Rhacophorus taipeianus) and has planted Ginger Lily, Tuberous Sword Fern, Chinese Taro, and a variety of native plants for you to discover. With shady trees, chirping birds, and fragrant flowers, Xiangshan Park has become a popular spot for locals and tourists of Taipei.
Best Places to Eat and Drink Nearby
%Arabica
%Arabica (Google map here), a popular café from Kyoto, Japan, is hailed as “Japan’s cult-favorite hit coffee shop” by food website Eater. Famous for its custom-made espresso machines that allow baristas to craft perfect drinks, it’s a must-visit for coffee lovers. Top picks include Espresso, Americano, and Kyoto Latte.
Address: No. 65, Alley 22, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Xu’s Red Bean Cake (徐家紅豆餅)
Xu’s Red Bean Cake (Google map here) is a beloved local spot with 40 years of history. Its crispy cakes come with a variety of fillings, like pinto beans, butter, shredded radish, cabbage, and sweet potato, perfect for a quick snack. It’s so popular, though, that you’ll likely need to wait in line to grab one!
Address: No. 227, Wuxing St, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Takemura Izakaya (竹村居酒屋)
Looking for some authentic Japanese izakaya dishes? Takemura Izakaya (Google map here) is just a 10-minute walk away from Elephant Mountain. Aside from its must-try Beef Ribs Skewer, King Oyster Mushrooms, and Salt Chicken Skewer, the restaurant also has the perfect spot for you to take an Instagram-worthy shot of Taipei 101 glowing at night!
Address: No. 2, Alley 1, Lane 253, Songren Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Linjiang Night Market (臨江街觀光夜市)
Hungry for some Taiwanese local street food? Hop onto a taxi at Xiangshan Station, and you will arrive at the Linjiang Night Market (Google map here) in 15 minutes, the perfect spot to savor all your favorite Taiwanese treats such as stinky tofu (臭豆腐), pepper buns (胡椒餅), beef noodles (牛肉麵), and grilled mochi (烤麻糬).
Address: Linjiang St, Da’an District, Taipei City
Is Elephant Mountain Worth Hiking?
After a rewarding hike up Elephant Mountain and trips to nearby attractions, there’s no better place to unwind than at Home Sweet Home Sharehouse. With our cozy, community-focused atmosphere and prime location, you’ll feel right at home during your stay in Taiwan.
The apartment is also surrounded by major department stores, restaurants, and chain supermarkets, catering to your every need for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, offering a highly convenient living function.
Home Sweet Home Sharehouse offers travelers comfortable, affordable living spaces in prime Taipei locations. With services like routine cleaning, living supplies, and garbage disposal, everything is taken care of. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the popular Xinyi District, check out our Xiangshan sharehouse, a cozy apartment that meets all your needs and is just 7-minute walk from Xiangshan MRT station. Book your space today and your Taipei adventure awaits!
