ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN AND TAIPEI 101
Taipei City, located in a basin in Northern Taiwan, is surrounded by lush, jungle-covered mountains, the most popular of which is Elephant Mountain. There are hundreds of established hiking trails surrounding the city, and thousands of day-hike combinations. Taipei City’s highly convenient public transportation system makes day hiking extremely convenient even for those unacquainted with the city’s layout. Going for a jungle walk and enjoying the healing power of nature’s phytoncide (the “essential oils” given off by trees) while taking part in ecological observation is as easy as heading to the edge of the city and starting up the nearest official hiking path.
The Taipei 101 MRT station is just a short 5-minute walk away. (right)
Elephant Mountain is perhaps Taipei City’s most quintessential city hike. The most popular and easiest of the Four Beasts peaks (Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Tiger) that dominate the mountain ridge just behind Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain offers one of the most iconic views of Taipei 101 and the Taipei skyline, and happens to be a great place to view the sunset over the city as well.
Hiking the steep but well-maintained trail to the top, you’ll find yourself in the company of Taiwanese of all walks of life going for a daily stroll. At the top there are several viewing platforms from which to take in Taipei 101. This spot is also an excellent vantage point to watch the annual Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Taipei City’s green-oriented city planning can further be experienced at Xiangshan Park just outside of the Elephant Mountain MRT Station, which happens to be one of the top spots for urban frog watching. At Tree Frog Reserve, located inside of the park, cute little Taipei tree frogs are visible during mating season between October and March. Male frogs can be distinguished by their habit of digging holes from which to call for mates at night.
As a country that is still recovering from the environmental sacrifices of rapid industrialization, Taiwan has become a devoted advocate of recycling and ecological preservation. Over 30 years, it has become a world leader in recycling with a recycling rate of 55 percent. In terms of waste production, Taiwan only generates half as much waste per person as the US. Even Taipei 101 is recognized by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat as one of the 50 Most Influential Tall Buildings in the world for its green engineering, and it has been awarded Platinum status (the highest possible) by the U.S. Green Building Council.
For greater immersion in Taiwan’s nature, consider traveling a bit farther to Xitou Nature Education Center where you can go for a stroll above the canopy on elevated walkways, and learn about Taiwan’s historic and prized cypresses.
