About Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Hiking Trail 象山登山步道
Elephant Mountain is located in Taipei’s bustling Xinyi District. It is named because of its elephant-like shape. It is collectively known as the Four Beast Mountains together with the nearby Lion Mountain, Tiger Mountain and Leopard Mountain. The top of the mountain is 183 meters above sea level, the trail is 1,450 meters long. Due to its low altitude and proximity to downtown Taipei, it is accessible by MRT and has multiple entrances to the mountain. Here you can get a close look at the Taipei 101 building and overlook the cityscape of Taipei. It has now become a famous tourist attraction in Taipei City. This is also the best place to watch the night view of Taipei and the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks.
How Long Does It Take to Hike Elephant Mountain Single Trail?
Six Boulders is THE destination for many young people who climb Xiangshan. The Xiangshan Trail is almost entirely made up of stepped hiking trails. It only takes 15 to 30 minutes to reach the Xiangshan Six Boulders Observation Deck and the whole journey takes about 50 minutes . Everyone is different and it depends on how far you want to go. This trail is a well-constructed hiking trail. Although some sections are steep, overall it is suitable for men, women, young and old! Therefore, you don’t need any specialized mountaineering gear to climb it.
How Long Does It Take to Hike Elephant Mountain Loop Line?
If you’re interested, the entire Elephant Mountain Loop Line is 2.8 kilometers long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. You can also just walk the single trail, which is about 1.5 kilometers long and takes 50 minutes to complete.
Is it Safe to Walk on The Elephant Mountain Trail at Night?
The Xiangshan Trail is lit throughout, so it is safe to walk at night. However, one thing to note when walking in the mountains at night is not to stray from the route and take side roads. If you encounter spiders, poisonous snakes, insects, etc., remember to avoid them.
Remember: do not climb Elephant Mountain alone at night!
How Many Steps are There on The Xiangshan Trail?
There are about 500 steps to the Six Boulders Observation Deck and about 600 steps to the Camera Platform.
What are Popular Viewing Platforms Along The Xiangshan Trail?
Each platform offers different photo angles, but Taipei 101 is always the star in everyone’s photos.
Six Boulders Observation Deck
Xiangshan Camera Platform
Xiangshan Photographer’s Platform
Xiangshan Fireworks Platform
Reminders: Xiangshan Hiking Trail
Hiking Trail: About 1,450 meters
Altitude: 183 meters
Walking time: About 50 minutes (Everyone is different and it depends on how far you want to go.)
Toilets: 3 (Check Elephant Mountain Trail Map below)
Remember: Do not climb Elephant Mountain alone at night! If you’re walking in the early morning or evening, you may want to consider using insect repellent or wearing long sleeves and pants.
Some sections and viewpoints on the Xiangshan Trail are directly exposed to the sun. It is recommended to bring a bottle of water, wear breathable clothes and comfortable shoes.
Opening Hours
24 Hours
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
You can enjoy the scenery at any time, but if you want to take dreamy photos, sunrise or sunset will be your best choice. This is a popular spot for tourists, so to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Elephant Mountain is on weekdays when there are fewer people. The busiest times are usually weekend evenings when locals and tourists alike come out for a stroll, so try to avoid these times.
Elephant Mountain is a popular spot for people to watch the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks every year.
Picnic With a Sunset View
Go to the local supermarket and buy some beer, juice and cookies and enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset.
Where to Stay?
Elephant Mountain Trail Map
1. Elephant Mountain Trailhead
2. Xiangshan Photographer’s Platform
3. Xiangshan Camera Platform
4. Xiangshan Fireworks Platform
5. Six Boulders
Three toilets with square frame
How to get to?
Transportation information
From: MRT(R02 Xiangshan Exit 2) → walk 700 meters
Google Map: Elephant Mountain Trailhead
(Source:Google Map)
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle