Xiangshan: Recall the First Impression of Taiwan from Different Point of View

One of the questions that I frequently ask to fellow foreigners during my stay in Taiwan is, “How do you think about Taiwan?” Some of them have stayed long enough to be able to describe various things that impress them about Taiwan. However, one answer that impresses me most comes from my new classmate who I just met about 4 months ago. He has stayed in Taiwan for more than 3 years, yet just like most of the foreigners or tourists who just arrive in the island, he still mentions Taipei 101 as an icon of Taiwan from which he got a deep first impression which result to long term relationship between him and the island. Taipei 101, the second tallest skyscraper in the world, has been the tallest skyscraper in the world from 2004 to 2010 before finally surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s located in the Taipei city center and perfectly represents modernity in a busy metropolis, yet its surrounding, just like the most part of Taiwan’s big cities, offer us much more relaxed life pace compared to other Asian metropolis. My friend finally falls in love with Taiwan at the first sight.

Taipei 101 Day View from Xiangshan

Taipei 101 Night View from Xiangshan

However, not many will expect that in this metropolis city center, behind the world’s second tallest skyscraper, there is actually a place called Xiangshan where we can recall the first impression of Taiwan from different point of view. This time we will not look up to view the majesty of a skyscraper, but we will look down to enjoy Taipei 101 night view from mountain heights. 

Going to Xiangshan is as easy as take the red line (Beitou-Xiangshan) MRT to Xiangshan station. Get out from MRT Xiangshan station and we will immediately find Zhongqiang Park. Follow the sign direction toward Xiangshan and walk for around 10 minutes through the park pathways will bring us directly to Xiangshan hiking trail. Xiangshan hiking trail consist of stairs, stone road, fresh air, and very suitable for a whole family hiking trip. The best time to start our hiking trip is in the evening. It will only take around 30 minutes to reach top of Xiangshan hiking trail and find a best spot to enjoy splendid night view of Taipei 101. 

Zhongqiang Park Pathway

Xiangshan Hiking Trail

Climb Jiuwu Peak for more challenging adventure

For them who are craving for more challenging adventure, they can continue their hiking journey to Jiuwu Peak through a lot of steeper stairs. Although it definitely requires more effort and energy to climb Jiuwu Peak, but you will be rewarded not only with more excellent night view, but also quieter atmosphere in which you might also lucky enough to find some people doing meditation here. Share a romantic night view with our loved ones or enjoy a silent moment and doing some meditation to refresh our mind, the choice is yours!