Xiangshan in Taipeh and its stone staircase to the skyline

Xiangshan in Taipeh is a low, forested hill whose stone staircases climb from ordinary streets to one of the clearest framed views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding city. Rising to about 183 m (600 ft) and threaded with a short but steep hiking trail, it forms part of the Nangang Mountain system on the eastern side of the Taiwanese capital.183 m (600 ft)

A city mountain facing Taipei 101

Xiangshan, also known in English as Elephant Mountain, stands in the Xinyi District of Taipeh, directly across the basin from the Taipei 101 skyscraper.Xinyi District of Taipeh The hill belongs to the Nangang Mountain system, a chain of smaller peaks that forms a wooded backdrop to the dense commercial quarter below.Nangang Mountain system

The mountain’s hiking route climbs from the edge of the Xinyi streets up through forest to a summit area that overlooks the Xinyi shopping district, the Taipei 101 tower and the wider city. The trail length to the summit is given as about 1.5 km (0.93 mi), with a total system of paths in the area reaching roughly 2.3 km (1.43 mi) from end to end.about 1.5 km (0.93 mi)

Stone steps, pavilions and giant rocks

The best-known approach to Xiangshan begins close to Xiangshan Station on the Taipei Metro’s Tamsui–Xinyi (Red) Line, from where a short walk through Xiangshan Park leads to the western trailhead beside Daitiandian Lingyun Temple.Xiangshan Station on the Taipei Metro’s Tamsui–Xinyi (Red) Line From this point, a long flight of concrete and stone steps rises through dense planting, punctuated by resting platforms and side paths.

Along the way, a series of named viewpoints marks the climb, including platforms and the group of boulders known as the Six Giant Rocks, where many visitors stop to look across at the Taipei 101 tower.Six Giant Rocks The path continues to higher terraces and small pavilions such as Yixian Pavilion and Chaoran Pavilion, which sit close to the upper reaches of the hill and offer wider views over the city and the Taipei Basin.Yixian Pavilion and Chaoran Pavilion

Four Beasts Mountains and the urban forest

Xiangshan forms part of the group of hills known as the Four Beasts Mountains, which also includes Leopard Mountain, Lion Mountain and Tiger Mountain, all lying in or near the Xinyi District.Four Beasts Mountains Together, these peaks create a compact area of urban forest, threaded with trails that link viewpoints, temples and small rest areas.

The Xiangshan trail itself passes through mixed vegetation, with sections of canopy and occasional clearings where the path opens to views of the Taipei Basin. Waymarking and direction signs on the approaches refer to the route as the Xiangshan Hiking Trail or Nangang Mountain System: Xiangshan (Mt. Elephant) Hiking Trail, reflecting its status as part of a broader network of city-side walking paths.Xiangshan (Mt. Elephant) Hiking Trail

Visiting Xiangshan: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Xiangshan stands in Taipeh’s Xinyi District on the eastern side of the city. The nearest metro stop is Xiangshan Station, the terminus of the Tamsui–Xinyi (Red) Line.
• The most used route begins from the western trailhead near Daitiandian Lingyun Temple, reached on foot through Xiangshan Park from Exit 2 of Xiangshan Station.
• The main trail consists largely of concrete and stone staircases that climb steadily with limited flat ground, so the ascent involves sustained step climbing rather than gentle slopes.
• Several viewing platforms and pavilions, including areas around the Six Giant Rocks, provide level spots to pause, with railings and benches in some locations.
• The official language is Chinese (Mandarin) and the currency is the New Taiwan dollar.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

Searching for Xiangshan on social platforms

These links open searches for Xiangshan on each platform.

Frequently asked questions about Xiangshan

Where is Xiangshan and how does it relate to Taipeh?

Xiangshan is a 183 m (600 ft) hill in the Xinyi District of Taipeh, on the eastern side of the city and close to the Taipei 101 skyscraper.

What should visitors expect on the Xiangshan trail?

The main route is a relatively short but steep staircase-based trail through forest, with several viewing platforms and rock areas overlooking Taipei 101 and the wider basin.

What makes Xiangshan distinctive among city viewpoints?

Xiangshan combines a compact urban forest, inclusion in the Four Beasts Mountains and a direct line of sight to Taipei 101 from viewpoints such as the Six Giant Rocks.