Elephant Mountain. You have seen the photos. A granite rock formation jutting out against the Taipei 101 skyline, hikers perched on bare stone, city sprawling below. It is one of those images that makes you think: I need to do that.
Here is what the photos do not tell you: the steps are steep, the humidity in summer is brutal, and the difference between a good view and a life-changing one comes down to timing and which platform you stop at. This is the guide that fixes both.
What Elephant Mountain Actually Is
Elephant Mountain is the southernmost peak of the Four Beasts Mountains that ring Taipei. The Chinese name is Xiangshan (象山), meaning Elephant Mountain. It sits directly across from Taipei 101, which is why the view from the top is the postcard shot that it is.
The trail is essentially a stair climb through forest, then over bare rock to several viewing platforms. Nothing technical. You do not need hiking boots. You need non-slip shoes and enough fitness to handle about 1,000 steps in humid conditions.
The Steps: What to Expect
Most hikers break the climb into sections:
- Section 1 (0-5 min): Well-paved path through trees. Shade. Manageable stairs. Most people quit here thinking they have done the hike.
- Section 2 (5-15 min): The stairs get steeper. No more shade. You start to see Taipei 101 through the trees on your right. This is where people who are not fit start to feel it.
- Section 3 (15-30 min): Bare rock begins. The trail turns into granite boulders you climb over. This is the most honest part of the hike. The steps carved into rock are uneven and can be slippery when wet.
- Six Viewing Platforms: Yes, there are six. Not one. Most people stop at the first one (which has the famous Taipei 101 shot) and never know there are better views above.
Total climb: approximately 1,066 steps. Elevation gain: about 200m. Time to top platform: 30-45 minutes depending on fitness and how many photo stops you make.
Best Time to Go
Sunrise: Beautiful, but the best view of Taipei 101 is looking east into the sunrise, which means you get backlit photos of the tower. Not ideal.
Golden hour (5pm-6:30pm): This is when the light hits Taipei 101 from the west. The tower glows. The city lights are starting to come on. This is the shot you came for. The catch: it is also when everyone else shows up. The platforms get crowded.
Blue hour (6:30pm-7:15pm): After sunset, the sky goes deep blue and Taipei 101 lights up. Fewer people. The view is genuinely spectacular. Bring a light or phone torch for the descent.
Early morning (7am-9am): Quiet trails, morning light on the city, cooler air. Good for photography if you do not mind the backlight issue. Best for actual hiking if you want to avoid crowds.
Getting There
Metro: Take the Red Line (Wenhu Line) to Xiangshan Station (R02), Exit 2. The MRT system in Taipei is clean, well-signposted in English, and easy to navigate even if you have never been before. For a full run-through of how the metro works in Taipei, see our guide to getting around Taipei by public transport.
Cost: Metro fare from Taipei Main Station is about NT$30-40 (S$1.20-1.60). Water at the base is about NT$25-30.
Which Platform to Stop At
Most people stop at Platform 1. The shot from here is iconic and it is the most photographed view in Taipei. But the platforms above are progressively less crowded and the views are wider.
Platform 4 or 5 is where serious photographers go. You see more of the city, fewer selfie sticks, and the angle on Taipei 101 is different. Bring water. The climb between Platform 1 and Platform 4 is the hardest part of the trail.
There is no official top platform. You climb until you decide you have had enough. Most people stop at Platform 3 or 4.
The Honest Verdict
Elephant Mountain is a genuine highlight of Taipei and it is free. No admission, no guides, no gear needed beyond decent shoes. The climb is demanding enough to feel like an achievement but not technical enough to exclude anyone reasonably fit.
The two biggest mistakes people make: going at midday in summer (the heat makes the climb miserable and the photos are flat and washed out), and stopping at Platform 1 without knowing there are better views above.
If you time it right and climb past Platform 1, this is one of the best urban hikes in Asia.
What to Bring
- 1 litre of water (more in summer)
- Non-slip shoes (not sandals, not running shoes with smooth soles)
- Phone torch or headlamp if going for blue hour
- Small towel (you will be sweating)
- Sunscreen if going in daylight
Combine It With Raohe Street Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market is a 10-minute walk from Xiangshan Station, along the same Red Line. After your hike and a shower back at the hotel, head to Raohe for dinner.
Raohe is narrower and more local than Shilin. The胡椒餅 (pepper bread) from the famous stall near the Ciyou Temple is one of the best street foods in Taipei. For the full breakdown of Raohe and the other four must-visit night markets in Taipei, see our guide to Taipei’s best night markets.
Suggested afternoon-evening schedule:
- 3:00pm: Arrive Xiangshan Station, climb Elephant Mountain (2-3 hours including photo stops)
- 6:00pm: Descend, freshen up, take metro to Raohe (2 stops on Red Line)
- 7:00pm: Raohe Street Night Market dinner
- 9:00pm: Done and back at hotel
Practical Notes for Singaporeans
The trail is open 24 hours. No admission, no operating hours. Go whenever you want.
If you are planning a longer Taipei trip, the city pairs well with a coastal escape. Our Gili Islands guide covers how to continue east from Taipei to Lombok and the Gili Islands for a beach extension after the hike.
In rainy season (June-August), the granite rocks become slick. Wait for a dry day or go with extra care.
November-December: best time to go. Clear skies, cool air, city lights view at its best.
Singapore passport holders do not need a visa for Taiwan. Apply online for the Taiwan arrival card before you go. Allow 2-3 working days for processing.
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