Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): the classic Taipei 101 viewpoint
A short, steep hike with a high payoff: Taipei 101 framed by the city skyline. Best at sunset and blue hour.
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A nature-focused day that still feels very ‘Taipei’: a viewpoint hike, tea hills via gondola, and a soak in Beitou if you want the full reset arc.
Best for
Active travelers, couples, photographers
Pace
Moderate (swap steps for gondola if needed)
Flex option
Choose Maokong OR Beitou if short on time
Highlights
- Short hike with skyline payoff
- Tea hills for cooler air and slow views
- Optional hot springs to end the day
Morning: skyline viewpoint
Start with a short hike like Elephant Mountain while you’re fresh. Morning light can be excellent, and the trail is less crowded than peak sunset hours.
- Elephant Mountain viewpoint hike
- Hydrate and take breaks—steps are steep
Afternoon: tea hills
Move south for Maokong: gondola up, tea house downshift. This is the ‘slow luxury’ part of an outdoor day.
- Maokong gondola
- Tea house break with views
Evening: optional soak
If you want the full reset arc, finish in Beitou. Otherwise, return to central Taipei for a satisfying dinner.
- Option A: Beitou hot springs
- Option B: city dinner + bubble tea nightcap
Keep exploring
Hand-picked next reads to make your Taipei plan smoother.
Ready to plan your next stop?
Start with a simple loop: one neighborhood stroll, one iconic sight, and one night market. Taipei rewards balance.
Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.