Xiangshan: Taipei’s stone stairway above the city
Published on 09/23/2026 at 23:30 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Xiangshan is a forested hill in Taipeh where a stone stairway climbs above the city’s eastern districts. The summit reaches 183 m (600 ft), while Taipei 101 rises across the urban basin as the trail’s defining view.
Xiangshan’s stairway through the forest
Xiangshan belongs to the Nangang Mountain System in Xinyi District. Its urban trail begins beside the city’s streets, then passes beneath dense vegetation as stone steps, railings and landings replace pavements.
The main hiking route extends for about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) towards the summit area. Xiangshan’s 183-metre elevation places the hill close to the city while retaining a distinct mountain profile.
A low mountain with a metropolitan view
The upper trail includes observation platforms, pavilions and large exposed rocks. From these points, Taipei 101 appears across the rooftops, with the Xinyi skyline and the Taipei Basin extending beyond it.
The relationship between hill and tower gives Xiangshan its visual character. The trail remains a built route of steps and concrete platforms, while the view is dominated by glass, steel and the sharply outlined form of Taipei 101.
The Four Beasts and the Nangang ridges
Xiangshan is also known as Mt. Elephant and forms part of Taipeh’s Four Beasts Mountains. The neighbouring hills create a chain of wooded ridges along the city’s eastern edge.
Several paths continue beyond the principal viewing area towards connected ridges and peaks. the Four Beasts Mountains name belongs to the group’s animal-shaped mountain names, while Xiangshan supplies the route most closely associated with Taipei 101.
Visiting Xiangshan: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Xiangshan lies in Xinyi District on the eastern side of Taipeh. The principal approach uses Xiangshan Station on the Taipei Metro red line, followed by Xiangshan Park and the western trailhead beside Daitiandian Lingyun Temple.
- The route is a stair climb rather than a level urban walk. Stone flights, railings and short landings continue through the forest towards the upper platforms.
- The official language is Mandarin Chinese and the currency is the New Taiwan dollar.
- Views towards Taipei 101 depend on visibility across the Taipei Basin. The tower remains the principal landmark across the city-facing side of the hill.
Searching for Xiangshan on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Xiangshan
Where is Xiangshan?
Xiangshan is in Xinyi District on the eastern side of Taipeh, within the Nangang Mountain System. Xiangshan Station provides the principal metro approach.
What is the route like?
The trail is a compact mountain route made largely from stone steps. Forested sections lead to platforms, pavilions and exposed rocks near the city-facing slopes.
What makes Xiangshan distinctive?
Xiangshan combines a low forested mountain with a direct view towards Taipei 101. Its stairway, upper platforms and skyline setting place natural terrain beside Taipeh’s modern towers.
