We just have to agree with the ultimately convenient and great reputation for public transportation in Taiwan. From buses, bicycle shares, high speed rails to Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), getting around Taiwan is extremely accessible, safe, and reliable. With so many convincing ways to sightsee the city, it should not be any excuse not to explore one of the spectacular mountains in Taipei.
Literally known as the Elephant Mountain, Xiangshan derives its name from its external shape (xiang means elephant in Chinese). This wonderful hiking trail allows you to admire the greenery, nature, and wild creatures. But what gives Xiangshan a unique sense of adventure is its breathtaking views overlooking Taipei city?
A DELIGHTFUL HIKING EXPERIENCE
Unquestionably, the iconic Taipei 101 Observatory Deck offers you an impressive and remarkable experience to see Taipei with your eyes. How about standing at 1,285 ft, looking over skyscrapers, mountains from afar, and simply taking a pleasure in the atmosphere? The experience is akin to hiking Xiangshan.
Some people go there for the gorgeous sunrise. We, on the other hand, decided to catch the sunset. The sun started to sink lower in the sky and light of day draining away, we indulged in the evening landscape while taking MRT Red Line all the way to the last station at Xiangshan, one past the Taipei 101 Station. Everything was stress-free.
Coming out from the MRT station, a well-groomed park welcomed us. A signboard was just right in front of the station. Walking south through Zhongqiang Park and turning left, we took our time to amble to the end of the street.
Located at the south-eastern section of Xinyi District, the short distance took us along cafes, grocery stores, and residential areas for about 15 minutes toward a temple. Right after the temple was a set of stairs which led us to the entrance to the trail. Although the starting point got us taken aback for a moment, the trail conditions were mostly facilitated and wide, with mostly firm and stable surfaces. Hence, we took it easy and relaxed.
Xiangshan is a 183-meter high mountain. It is ideal for people of most ages who are in generally good condition. The air was damp, crickets were chirping, colors subdued in the fading light, and we were excited to begin the climb. The tawny cliffs and giant rocks along the path, coupled with numerous natural life forms and birds making the entire mountain resembling a natural ecological paradise.
Along the trail, there were explanatory signboards providing information to visitors concerning the environment. The diversified cliff and slope terrains form a great nurturing ground for fern-family plants. In particular, the quantity of Taiwanese Cibotium and Flying Spider-monkey Tree Fern ranks top in Taipei City.
Despite the trail was full of stairs, we did not once feel a twinge of lethargy amidst the humorous rocks and trees. These treasured moments that we have got to spend with each other’s company were beautiful moments. The stairs were not extremely steep but manageable. Young teenagers and old citizens had a good time hiking up to the top. What better place to take advantage of a workout session, right?
TO THE TOP
There were several lookouts and pavilions on the way, we have got to decide our own route based on our physical conditions and photographic angles. With an approximate distance of 1.5 kilometers, making it to the top of Xiangshan was without a doubt the best decision ever. Standing at its altitude of 183 meters, the entire Taipei City was right under our eyes.
Upon our arrival at the summit, we were startled by the striking six giant rocks. Everyone was lining up and taking turns for a photo above one of the rocks with the Taipei City skylines as the backdrop. On top of these rocks, the entire view of the bustling Xinyi District was captured. Photos, poses, and repeat! The evening was stunning with its borderless flow of clarity. The vast, seemingly empty sky stretched out for infinity.
As the sky’s hue changed and the sun slowly settled in a magnificent fire, we made it to the highest lookout and there were already a few amateur photographers setting up their tripods and cameras to shoot the most splendid sunset. Being the early bird sounded reasonable. As sunset approached, the number of people standing by the lookout increased. Even if we were not there for jaw-dropping photographs, basking in the beauty of scenery was utterly satisfying.
While staying at the lookout for a while to just revel in the scenery, the blazing sun rays gleam outlined the cotton-ball clouds in a blazing glow and constant compliments from the fellow hikers signified the end of the day.
