Elephant Mountain

The Elephant Mountain (象山步道) Hiking Trail, located in Taipei, offers the best vantage point for watching the sunset and capturing stunning views of Taipei 101 and the entire city. While the trail involves a challenging ascent with many stairs and takes at least an hour to complete round-trip, there are several lookout points and pavilions along the way, allowing visitors to tailor their experience based on their physical fitness and desired photographic angles.

Previously a hidden gem, the trail has now gained popularity among tourists and locals alike, particularly among amateur photographers seeking to capture the beautiful sunset. Securing a prime spot for photography on a clear day often requires arriving early, as space for tripods is limited and can fill up quickly. This is especially true during the New Year's Eve fireworks display at Taipei 101, where only 40-50 tripods can be accommodated along the trail, prompting some individuals to queue up 24 hours in advance to secure a spot.

For those seeking to capture clear views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline, it is recommended to visit in the morning when the sunlight illuminates the architecture, rather than in the evening.