Discover Taipei's Best Hiking Spots: Your Ultimate Guide to the Xiangshan Trail! Including Transportation, Routes, Difficulty Levels, and Top Viewing Times

Situated in Taipei City's Xinyi District, Xiangshan is a beloved hiking trail, second only to Yangmingshan in popularity. Famous for its Six Giant Rocks viewing platform, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Taipei Basin and the iconic Taipei 101, earning it the affectionate nickname "Taipei 101 Hiking Trail." Whether you're in the mood for a relaxed stroll or seeking a bit of a challenge, Xiangshan is the ideal spot! This guide will walk you through transportation options, hiking routes, and difficulty levels, making it easy for you to explore Xiangshan and soak in its unique beauty!

MRT: Hop on the Wenhu Line and get off at Xiangshan Station (Exit 2). Once you're out, make a left and stroll down Yongchun Street. Look for a small alley on your right, which leads you to the Xiangshan Trail. The whole trip takes roughly 10 minutes.
Bus: You can catch the Xinyi Express Line, Blue 28, Brown 7, or Brown 15 and get off at "Xiangshan Elementary School." From there, walk straight down Yongchun South Road, then make a right onto Yongchun Street to reach the entrance of the Xiangshan Ecological Trail.

1. Elephant Mountain Family Trail: This charming little trail is just 0.8 kilometers long and takes around 20 minutes to walk. The main attraction here is the Elephant Mountain Six Giant Rocks. Perfect for families, seniors, and beginners, you'll find informative signs along the path that introduce the local ecology.
2. Elephant Mountain Trail No. 1: This 2.6-kilometer loop trail takes about an hour to complete. It meanders past the Six Giant Rocks and Beixing Bao Gong, with plenty of dense tree cover and lush greenery to enjoy along the way.
3. Elephant Mountain Trail No. 2: A bit more adventurous, this one-way trail spans 2 kilometers and takes roughly 1.5 hours. Starting from Elephant Mountain and leading to Yongchungang via Jiuwu Peak, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Taipei Basin.
4. Elephant Mountain Summit Circular Trail: For those seeking a challenge, this 6-kilometer trail connects Elephant Mountain, Jiuwu Peak, Thumb Mountain, and Tiger Mountain. It takes about 3 hours to complete and features rest pavilions along the way. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers.

If you're looking for a fantastic spot to soak in Taipei's night scenery, head over to the Six Giant Rocks Viewing Platform at Xiangshan. The "Taipei Light Feast" light show at Taipei 101 is a must-see. It lights up the sky on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with a show every half hour. On weekends (Friday to Sunday), the show dazzles every 15 minutes until 10:00 PM. For the best experience, get to the Six Giant Rocks Viewing Platform in the evening, and wait for the spectacular lights to brighten up the Taipei 101 skyline.

1. When you're out hiking, make sure to wear lightweight, non-slip sports shoes. Don't forget to pack your own water, some snacks, and a flashlight.
2. The mountainous area is known for having lots of mosquitoes, so be sure to apply insect repellent to avoid any pesky bites.
3. If you're visiting in the summer, the midday sun can be pretty harsh. Bring a sun hat and slather on some sunscreen to protect yourself.
4. The viewing platform tends to get quite busy with tourists. Try to keep the noise down and make sure you don't leave any litter behind.
5. As you make your way down through residential areas, please be considerate by keeping your volume low and respecting the local residents.

Xianshan is a delightful natural retreat right in the heart of Taipei, and it's incredibly easy to get to. Whether you're an avid hiker looking for your next adventure or just want to soak in the stunning night view of Taipei 101, Xiangshan has something for everyone. Once you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Taipei Basin – a refreshing and worthwhile experience. We hope this guide makes planning your trip to Xiangshan a breeze, so you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the charm of Taipei!