Xiangshan Trail in Taipei

Xiangshan (象山) trail is probably the most popular trail in Taipei for foreigners. On the trail, you can see the best view of Taipei101.

Xiangshan means Elephant mountain. There are 3 other mountains nearby : Hushan (Tiger), Shishan (Lion), Baoshan (Leopard). The four mountains can be called Sishaoshan ( The Four Beasts).

Xiang (象) is also probably the most famous Chinese character. Elephants existed in ancient China, but extincted thousands years ago. The ancestors told the offspring the image of elephants by drawing the shape of an elephant. The drawing then became a word. Pictograph is now called elephant-shape characters in Chinese (象形文字).

The ancient and current Chinese word of the elephant; that is so called Pictograph.  These words emphasize the long nose and big eyes of an elephant. The word also has 4 legs and 1 tail. 

OK, let's go to the trail now.

The entrance of Xiangshan trail is just 700 meters away from the Xiangshan MRT station. Take the No 2 exit and follow the road signs, and you will find the entrance. The trail is always full of visitors.

The initial part of the the trail is steep with hundreds of steps, and it may take you 20 minutes to finish it. When you reach the 6 Rocks, the trail become much easier to walk. There are several viewpoints on the trail, where are always full of photographers with their tripods.

Sunset is the best visiting time, thus you can see the dynamic views of Taipei city. There are lamps along the trail, therefore walking at night is OK, too. At daytime you can go to other Beasts, but don't go at night.

The visitors on the 6 rocks waiting for sunset

( These photos were taken by my mobile phone without a tripod )

You visited Taipei, but you didn't go to the Xiangshan trail and take a beautiful Taipei101 picture; it would be a pity.

Simple info:

No 2 exit of Xiangshan MRT station

Follow road signs to the trail entrance (700m)

20 mins steps to the Viewpoints.

Bring your best camera.