A must-save list: 8 breathtaking night views recommended by the director of the Taipei documentary

▲ Breathtaking night views of the Taipei metropolitan area from Datun Mountain. (Photo provided by Chen Borui. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement. The same applies to the following images.)

Reported by Yu Jiayun / Interviewed and written

Whether you're planning a romantic date or just want to unwind away from the hustle and bustle, watching the night view is a fantastic evening activity for city dwellers. But where in Taipei can you see the most stunning night views? And what are the hidden gems? Chen Borui, a student at Shih Hsin University’s Graduate Institute of Broadcasting and Television who traveled all over Taipei while filming the urban documentary Taipei and is also an avid photographer, is here to recommend 8 of his favorite night view spots in the city—each one absolutely breathtaking.

Xinyi District, Taipei – Xiangshan
▲ When it comes to viewing Taipei’s night scenery, Xiangshan near Taipei 101 is probably the most popular spot. Thanks to its convenient access and moderate difficulty, it attracts many visitors both day and night. Chen Borui, who frequently shoots here, says that besides the well-known Six Giant Rocks, there’s also the Superb View Pavilion a bit further up. He recommends arriving about half an hour before sunset to catch the sunset, then staying to admire the city’s skyline once night falls—getting an up-close look at Taipei’s metropolitan skyscrapers.

▲ Xiangshan is a popular night view destination in Taipei.

Neihu District, Taipei – Bishan Rock
▲ If you want to take in a million-star night view of the Taipei Basin, Bishan Rock in Neihu is definitely one of the top choices. You can get there by public transport, or by bike or car. Chen Borui notes that the Koxinga Temple is the best spot for night views here, offering sweeping views of Nangang, Dahu Park, and Songshan Airport. However, the temple closes at 9:30 PM, so he suggests strolling around the nearby Baishi Lake Suspension Bridge in the afternoon and heading up the mountain after sunset for the night views.

▲ Bishan Rock offers a panoramic view of the Taipei Basin at night.

Beitou District, Taipei – Datun Mountain
▲ Compared to city-center spots, getting to Datun Mountain is a bit more challenging, as you’ll definitely need a scooter or car to get up the mountain at night. From the summit, you can gaze out at the beautiful Taipei Basin, take in the distant view of Jinshan and Wanli, and see the Guandu Plain and Tamsui River estuary to the west. During the transitional seasons between autumn and winter or winter and spring, you might even be lucky enough to witness sea of clouds enveloping the surrounding mountains—an awe-inspiring sight.

▲ Datun Mountain offers tranquility away from the city.

Muzha District, Taipei – Maokong
▲ Want to enjoy tea while taking in the view? Take the cable car up to Maokong. Chen Borui says the last Maokong Gondola departs at 9 PM, leaving plenty of time for night views before then. Maokong also has the highest concentration of restaurants and cafes on a Taipei mountain—just pick any eatery or café and you’ll get a great view of the city lights—plus you can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. It’s really a delightful experience.

▲ No crowds, just tea and night views in Maokong.

Xizhi District, New Taipei – Dajianshan
▲ Dajianshan in Xizhi is a popular hiking spot during the day, but biking or driving is a more relaxing choice if you’re going for the night views. To catch the most beautiful sights, Chen Borui suggests heading to Tianxiu Temple on the mountain before sunset to enjoy the unique view of layered mountains bathed in the fading light. Because of its special scenery, this spot also attracts many photography enthusiasts—it’s truly a hidden gem.

▲ You don’t have to go all the way to Taipei City—Dajianshan in Xizhi also has amazing night views.

Zhonghe District, New Taipei – Hongludi
▲ Taipei has Xiangshan, and New Taipei has Hongludi. Not far from Taipei, Hongludi lets you enjoy views of the city’s skyscraper-lit nightscape. Since its night view is already quite famous, it draws quite a crowd in the evening—making it relatively safer—and you don’t have to hike up, either. It's one of the best night view spots in New Taipei.

▲ At Hongludi, you can worship and enjoy night views.

Ruifang District, New Taipei – Jiufen
▲ Tian Gong Temple is the highest point in Jiufen. From here, you can escape the crowds of the old street, watch the sunset, and later, when the lanterns along the street light up, you can head to any open space nearby to see the bustling mountain town, rolling hills, and distant ocean views—an unbeatable night scene, even by international standards. Chen Borui adds that if you're lucky, you might also see sea of clouds creeping along the horizon toward the mountains, adding an air of mystery to Jiufen.

▲ Jiufen looks completely different during the day and at night.

Banqiao District, New Taipei – New Taipei City Hall
▲ You don’t always have to escape the city to enjoy night views. The 32nd floor of New Taipei City Hall in Banqiao District features a 360-degree observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. On clear days, the view is incredibly expansive, allowing you to take in the nightscapes of both New Taipei City and Taipei. It’s also a great place to enjoy the Christmas light displays—you can soak in the festive atmosphere from above without the crowds.

▲ The 360-degree glass windows offer an unobstructed view of the surroundings.