Three New Viewing Platforms Added to Xiangshan Trail Offer 270-Degree Panoramic Views of Taipei

▲ A newly built viewing platform within the Xiangshan Trail allows visitors to comfortably gaze at the vast scenery of Greater Taipei. (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Compiled by Staff

For those looking to hike up Xiangshan and take in the sweeping views of the Taipei Basin, there’s now a more comfortable option. This year, the Taipei City Department of Urban Development completed the construction of three new viewing platforms along the Xiangshan Trail. These platforms have become not only a popular new spot for couples but also an ideal location for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of Taipei.

There are three newly completed viewing platforms in total. Starting from the Lingyun Temple hiking entrance, follow the stone steps upward. In about 15 minutes, you’ll see a brand-new elliptical-shaped platform on your left. Here, the 270-degree view is completely unobstructed, and the Taipei 101 skyscraper almost feels within reach. The vast and open vista is sure to make this an excellent spot for watching the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Continuing upward by turning right, you’ll pass geological formations such as the Six Giant Boulders formed by tectonic shifts, the Camera Platform, Yixian Pavilion, and Chaoran Pavilion—all great spots to take in the bustling Xinyi District and the wider cityscape of Taipei.

▲ %枷嗷?教è (top photo) and the Yixiantian Viewing Platform (bottom photo) also offer unique angles to capture different views of Taipei 101. (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)

If you reach the fork near the Buddha’s Words Stone at the entrance to Yixiantian Trail, you’ll find a specially designed semi-circular protruding viewpoint, which has quickly become another favorite photo spot. After enjoying the views from the new platforms, you can continue downhill toward Yongchun Gang Park or opt to take the Yixiantian Trail. Along the way, you’ll see the beautifully sculpted rock walls of Shiruyuan, nature’s masterpiece. Take a rest at the newly built platform before returning to the starting point, completing a circular hiking route.

Chen Shengyi, acting chief engineer of the Department of Urban Development, said that the easily accessible Xiangshan Nature Trail is a top choice for many city residents looking to connect with nature. From Exit 2 of Xiangshan MRT Station, you can either walk or ride a YouBike along Section 5, Lane 150 of Xinyi Road to reach the Lingyun Temple entrance, where you can enjoy a refreshing and natural hiking experience.

%即酉笊讲降琅纳愕奶ū币咕啊 (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)