Xiangshan in Taipeh and its staircase view over Taipei 101
Published on 08/25/2026 at 13:51 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Xiangshan in Taipeh is a low, steep-sided hill where a stone staircase climbs through dense greenery to viewpoints looking directly towards Taipei 101 and the surrounding city. Rising to about 183 m (600 ft) above sea level in the Xinyi District, Xiangshan is known in English as Elephant Mountain and forms part of the Nangang Mountain System on the eastern side of Taipei.Xiangshan (Mt. Elephant)
A staircase carved into a city hillside
Xiangshan is a compact ridge of forested hillside that rises directly behind apartment blocks and streets in Taipeh’s Xinyi District. Its summit area stands at around 183 m (600 ft), a modest altitude that feels higher because the climb starts close to the surrounding streets and towers.It is 183 m high
The hiking trail up Xiangshan is essentially a long flight of stone steps laid into the slope, interspersed with short level stretches and small rest platforms.In total there are hundreds of steps Handrails line many sections, and the edges of the path are bordered by dense shrubs and trees that frame glimpses of Taipei’s skyline between the leaves.
Viewing rocks and platforms facing Taipei 101
Several viewpoints are built or marked along the Xiangshan trail, each offering a different angle on Taipei 101 and the surrounding streets. Near the upper part of the trail a group of large boulders, sometimes referred to as giant rocks, forms one of the best-known viewing spots, with flat upper surfaces that look out across Taipei.
Above these rocks, wooden and concrete platforms with railings provide further vantage points over the city and towards Taipei 101.Viewing platforms and boulders From these points, the skyscraper stands almost directly opposite Xiangshan across the Xinyi District, and the gridded streets and other towers spread away on both sides. On clear days the view extends beyond the city centre towards the surrounding ring of hills.
Xiangshan in the Nangang Mountain System
Xiangshan forms part of the Nangang Mountain System on the eastern edge of Taipeh, a chain of low hills that mark the transition from the dense city to more rugged terrain.Nangang Mountain System: Xiangshan Hiking Trail Within this broader landscape, Xiangshan is one of several named peaks, alongside others grouped as the Four Beasts Mountains such as Leopard Mountain, Lion Mountain and Tiger Mountain.Four Beasts Mountains group
The main Xiangshan trail is relatively short, with the core hiking section measuring around 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from trailhead to summit platforms.The trail covers about 1.5 km From various points along the path, side trails connect to other routes on the Nangang Mountain System, allowing walkers to continue along the ridge towards neighbouring peaks or descend into different districts of Taipeh.
Visiting Xiangshan: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Xiangshan rises in the Xinyi District on the eastern side of Taipeh, opposite Taipei 101, and the hiking trail starts within walking distance of Xiangshan Station on the Taipei Metro Red Line.The trail is accessible from Xiangshan Station
- The climb follows a steep staircase of stone steps with railings in many sections, and visitors spend much of the walk on stairs rather than on gently sloping paths.The route is mostly steps
- The hill is low enough to be integrated into the city, yet high enough to give extended views over central Taipeh, so weather conditions and visibility shape how far across the basin the skyline can be seen.
- The official language is Chinese 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
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Frequently asked questions about Xiangshan
Where is Xiangshan in Taipeh?
Xiangshan stands in the Xinyi District on the eastern side of Taipeh, directly opposite Taipei 101 and close to Xiangshan Station on the Taipei Metro Red Line.
What should visitors expect on the Xiangshan trail?
The trail is a relatively short but steep staircase of stone steps with handrails, leading through forest to boulders and viewing platforms overlooking Taipei 101 and the city skyline.
What makes Xiangshan distinctive among Taipeh’s hills?
Xiangshan combines a compact forested climb and a clearly defined staircase with direct framed views of Taipei 101 from rocks and platforms that sit close to the dense urban core.
