BaoDao Talk Blog
2024-09-20updated
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail: A Must-Visit for Stunning Taipei Views
# Get to know Taiwan
# Learning Mandarin
Located in the bustling Xinyi District of Taipei, Elephant Mountain or Xiangshan (象山) is one of the city's most popular hiking trails. Offering breathtaking views of Taipei 101 (台北101) and the surrounding cityscape, this easy and accessible trail is a top choice for night views (夜景), sunset photography, and even watching the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to what makes Elephant Mountain (象山) such a fantastic destination and how you can plan your visit.
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Why is it Called Elephant Mountain?
The name "Elephant Mountain" comes from the shape of the mountain, which is said to resemble the head of an elephant. It is part of the Four Beasts Mountain (四獸山) range, along with Tiger, Leopard, and Lion Mountains. At an elevation of 183 meters, Elephant Mountain (象山) may not be very tall, but its spectacular views and rich ecology make it a gem in Taipei.
The Trail: Easy and Convenient
The trail (步道) to the top is only 1,450 meters long, and it takes about 20-40 minutes to reach the top, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll encounter well-maintained steps and a variety of natural sights, including towering trees, ferns, and a diverse range of birds and insects. The rock formations along the trail, formed from sandstone, are a result of tectonic forces over time, creating steep rock walls and unique geological features.
Top Sights Along the Trail
The Six Giant Rocks (六巨石): One of the most Instagram-worthy spots, these large rock formations offer a panoramic view of Taipei 101 (台北101). Climbers often scale these rocks to capture the perfect photo (拍照) with the iconic skyscraper in the background. Chaoran Pavilion (超然亭): For those looking for the best spot to view Taipei 101 fireworks, Chaoran Pavilion (超然亭) is the place to be. Many visitors come here to enjoy the fireworks during New Year’s Eve and National Day. Sky Crack (一線天): A dramatic section of the trail where two towering rock walls narrow to create a slim passage. It’s a unique geological feature and a great photo opportunity. An Ecological Classroom The Elephant Mountain (象山) trail is not just about great views—it’s also a natural classroom. The trail features educational signs explaining the local flora and fauna. You’ll see a variety of ferns growing along the path, including the ancient Penstemon ferns that date back to the Jurassic period. You might also spot giant snails, such as the Swenhoi’s Giant Snail, along the way.
Getting to Elephant Mountain
One of the reasons Elephant Mountain (象山) is so popular is its accessibility. The Xiangshan MRT Station is just a short walk from the trailhead.
By MRT: Take the Red Line to Xiangshan Station (象山站). From Exit 2, walk about 10 minutes to the entrance of the trail.
By Bus: You can take buses 32, 33, or Chengde Main Line to Xinyi Junior High School (信義國中) stop, and from there, it’s a short walk to the Lingyun Temple (靈雲寺) trailhead.
By Car: For those driving, you can access the trailhead via Xinyi Road, but note that parking is limited, especially near the Beixingbao Temple (北星寶寺) trailhead.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the hike, there are several other great spots to explore in the area:
Taipei 101 (台北101): After your hike, you can visit the Taipei 101 (台北101) shopping mall and observation deck.
Forty-Four South Village (四四南村): This historic village near Taipei 101 was once a military dependents’ village and is now a cultural park with shops and cafes.
Tong hua Night Market (通化夜市): Finish your day with a visit to this bustling night market, just a short distance from Elephant Mountain (象山), where you can enjoy some of Taipei’s best street food.
Tips for Visiting Elephant Mountain
Best time to visit: To avoid crowds, try hiking early in the morning or during weekday afternoons. For photographers, sunset is the ideal time to capture the city’s transformation from day to night.
Weather: Taipei can get hot and humid, especially in the summer. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and pack insect repellent.
Fireworks Viewing: If you plan to visit during New Year’s Eve for the fireworks show, arrive several hours early to secure a good viewing spot.
Conclusion
Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a short and scenic hike, Elephant Mountain (象山) is a must-visit destination in Taipei. With its convenient location, stunning views, and rich natural environment, it offers a unique outdoor experience that combines urban scenery with Taiwan's natural beauty.
Learn Chinese while exploring
象山 (xiàng shān) – Elephant Mountain
台北101 (tái běi yī líng yī) – Taipei 101
六巨石 (liù jù shí) – The Six Giant Rocks
超然亭 (chāo rán tíng) – Chaoran Pavilion
一線天 (yī xiàn tiān) – Sky Crack
步道 (bù dào) – Trail
登山 (dēng shān) – Hiking/Climbing
休憩平台 (xiū qì píng tái) – Resting Platform
夜景 (yè jǐng) – Night View
拍照 (pāi zhào) – Take a photo
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