Elephant Mountain - An image of an Elephant extending its trunk to reach a bag filled with its food and eating inside of an enclosure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado.
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Elephant Mountain

Nelson, Canada

Conquer the stairs for Taipei's most iconic skyline views, especially Taipei 101 at sunset.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Elephant Mountain - An image of an Elephant extending its trunk to reach a bag filled with its food and eating inside of an enclosure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado.

Elephant Mountain

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Conquer the stairs for Taipei's most iconic skyline views, especially Taipei 101 at sunset.

"The hike is steep but the views of Taipei 101 are absolutely worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Thousands of stairs await! Good grip is essential for the steep ascent. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. You'll need it for the climb! :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Taipei 101 Panorama

Taipei 101 Panorama

Main viewing platforms

The iconic skyscraper framed by the city skyline, especially magical at sunset.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Upper viewing areas

Watch the sky explode with color, casting a warm glow over Taipei.

The Stair Climb

The Stair Climb

Elephant Mountain Trail

A challenging but rewarding ascent offering increasingly impressive city vistas.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for That Iconic Shot

Catching Taipei 101 bathed in golden hour light requires planning. Aim for sunset, but arrive early to secure a good spot on the viewing platforms. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Stairs, Sweat, and Stunning Views

The Elephant Mountain hike is short but steep, with thousands of stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The effort is rewarded with unparalleled city panoramas.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, great views
Crowd
Low
When
Clear mornings
Why
Crisp city views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I never expected this shot to do so well—my first version is heading towards 6 million views. I had a feeling it might go viral, but seeing it actually happen is surreal. Whenever I visit Taipei, this hike is a must. And this time, I finally got the perfect conditions—clear skies and a breathtaking sunset. One of my most beautiful and unique drone shots yet. #Taipei101 #Taipei #Taiwan #Drone #E...
kamilsabathy
86.8K likes • 1.3M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Thousands of stairs await! Good grip is essential for the steep ascent. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. You'll need it for the climb! :droplet:

boys will be boys i guess? 😒 this is the famous elephant mountain hike (象山) in taipei! it has the best views of taipei 101 and the rest of the city, especially at sunset. the hike only takes 15-20 minutes but it’s all stairs, so be prepared to sweat 🥵 . ➡️ follow @angi.susu for more asia travel gems, photography spots, and inspo ✨ . . . . . . . . . 📍: elephant mountain, taiwan 👗: @salty_crush_aus ...
angi.susu
0 likes • 13.5K views
🇺🇸 There is probably no better viewpoint of Taipei 101 than on the Elephant Mountain hiking trail! 🥹😍 How to get here: -Uber or Taxi -1. Take the MRT to „Xiangshan“ Station (Exit 2). 2. Follow the signs to the Elephant Mountain Trail. 3. Start the steep ascent for a fantastic view of Taipei and Taipei 101 The way goes about 20-30 minutes up stairs! Bring water and take breaks! 🌇 Best by Sunrise...
travelwithsandm
0 likes • 18.8K views

📸 Arrive Early for Sunset

Popular spots fill up fast. Secure your prime viewing location before golden hour. :camerawithflash:

🚇 Easy MRT Access

Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station (Exit 2) for direct access to the trail. :subway_train:

Would you hike up 1,000 feet to see this in Taiwan? 🥾🇹🇼 Elephant Mountain is one of the most rewarding hikes in Taipei as it gives you a beautiful view of Taipei 101, and the surrounding city. However, be prepared to climb up thousands of steps up the side of a mountain! The first leg of the hike up to Elephant Mountain isn’t so bad as you will be quickly rewarded with views of Taipei 101. Howeve...
nomad.adventurers
0 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Thousands of stairs await! Good grip is essential for the steep ascent. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. You'll need it for the climb! :droplet:

📸 Arrive Early for Sunset

Popular spots fill up fast. Secure your prime viewing location before golden hour. :camerawithflash:

🚇 Easy MRT Access

Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station (Exit 2) for direct access to the trail. :subway_train:

🚁 Drone Shots are Popular

Many creators capture stunning aerial views, but check local regulations. :airplane_departure:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Elephant Mountain for its breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline, especially during sunset. The challenging stair climb is seen as a rewarding workout. Some find the crowds overwhelming during peak times, and the steepness can be a deterrent for those with mobility issues.

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Iconic Taipei 101 shots
Rewarding hike

What People Dislike

Crowded viewing platforms
Steep stair climb

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take the MRT to Xiangshan Station (象山站), Exit 2. From there, follow the signs for the Elephant Mountain Trail. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the MRT is the most convenient public transport option. Xiangshan Station is on the Red Line, making it easily accessible from many parts of Taipei. Instagram

The hike itself typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on your pace. The journey to the trailhead from Xiangshan Station is very short. Instagram+1

Parking can be challenging in the area. It's generally recommended to use public transportation like the MRT to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Absolutely! Taxis and ride-sharing services are a convenient option, especially if you're coming from further afield or have mobility concerns. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Elephant Mountain trail and its viewing platforms is completely free. TikTok

Elephant Mountain is open 24/7, but it's best to visit during daylight hours or just before sunset for the most spectacular views. Instagram

There is no entrance fee. The trail is a public park and accessible to everyone without charge. Reddit

While the trail is technically open, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. The best views are during sunset and twilight. Instagram

No booking is required. You can simply show up and start your hike. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The golden hour just before sunset offers the most breathtaking light for photographing Taipei 101 and the city skyline. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunset. TikTok

Drone usage can be restricted in urban areas. It's advisable to check current regulations before flying a drone for aerial shots. TikTok

The main viewing platforms offer iconic shots of Taipei 101. Exploring slightly higher or different angles can also yield unique perspectives. Instagram

Yes, the city lights create a beautiful spectacle after dark. However, ensure you have a stable tripod and good low-light camera settings. Instagram

🎫 👟 Onsite Experience

The hike involves a significant number of stairs, making it moderately strenuous. It's a good workout, but manageable for most fitness levels. Instagram+1

Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Avoid sandals or flip-flops. Instagram

Restrooms are typically available at the base of the trail and sometimes at rest stops along the way. It's wise to use facilities before you start climbing. Reddit

The stairs can be challenging for very young children. Parents should supervise closely and consider carrying younger kids if needed. Reddit

The main draw is the viewing platforms. There are no shops or cafes at the summit; it's a natural viewpoint. Reddit

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