Tower view
Up close.
Balon Greyjoy — CC0 · Sonse — CC BY 2.0 · Balon Greyjoy — CC0 · 4300streetcar — CC BY 4.0
A small wooded hill on Taipei's eastern edge that locals call Xiangshan, Elephant Mountain, giving the capital's most famous view: Taipei 101 rising close above the towers of Xinyi, with the whole city spread out to the mountains on the horizon. The trail starts near the metro station and climbs a steep stone stairway through the trees for twenty to thirty minutes, up to wooden viewing decks and big boulders where visitors stand for photos. The climb is tiring in the humidity but short. The best time is just before sunset, when the sun drops behind the city and the tower and streets light up little by little, so people stay until dark. From the top, longer trails link to other hills in the same range for those who want to walk on. The trail is free and always open, so bring water and a torch for the walk down after dark, and avoid climbing in heavy rain. Taiwan's typhoon season runs from June to October, peaking July to September, so check forecasts before heading to mountains and coasts, per UK travel advice.
Up close.
Then city lights.
Photo spots.
Xinyi District, near Xiangshan metro station
About twenty to thirty minutes up steep stairs from Xiangshan metro station; best just before sunset.
