Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office

Good news for citizens who love hiking! This Sunday, MRT Xinyi Line began its operation. In the future, visiting Xiangshan for relaxation and enjoying the terrific views is not only more convenient, but also an eco-friendly gesture of loving the Earth through less energy consumption and carbon emission.

Huang Li-Yuan, Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government, said that Xiangshan Hiking Trail is paved with rocks to ensure safety and walking comfort. The public can take the Xinyi Line, alight at Xiangshan Station, and then walk through Zhongqiang Park or Lane 150, Section 5 on Xinyi Road to get to the starting point of Xiangshan Hiking Trail at Lingyun Temple. Those who do not fancy walking may rent a YouBike at the exit of Xiangshan Station, and enjoy a breezy ride along the bikeway towards Zhongqiang Park’s rental kiosk for faster access to the starting point.

Director Huang said that after climbing a steep slope, you will come to an intersection; take a right turn to go up a flight of stairs, and you will be welcomed by the magnificent Six Giant Rocks. When the sun is setting, Taipei 101 stands out in silhouette against golden clouds and giant rocks creating a mesmerizing picture; you will feel rewarded for the hardship you have endured when climbing up here.

Hsia Hsien-Tong, Chief of the Industrial and Trail Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that after admiring the beautiful sunset at Six Giant Rocks, you can simply make a turn to get to the new photo-taking platform which was built last year. The platform looks just like a camera, with circular chairs encircling a big tree to resemble a camera lens. The platform, the best spot in Xiangshan where you are looking at the most beautiful views from afar, provides a panoramic view of Taipei City and Taipei 101. Therefore, many photographers will choose this platform as the best spot to capture the images of the glorious fireworks shooting off for the event of New Year countdown.

Chief Hsia said “There are several branching trails in Xiangshan Hiking Trail, and the public may choose to pass by the pavilion at the summit, descend to the exit at Yongchungang, then walk along Songshan Road to the YouBike kiosk at Song Shan High School of Commerce and Home Economics and continue toward the next destination. Or you may turn into Yixiantian Trail (A Thread of Sky Trail) to admire the uncanny workmanship of nature. Citizens who do not wish to overstrain themselves are advised to descend via the shorter Shiliao Trail, and take a break at the elephant sculpture before leaving Songde rental kiosk on a YouBike. For information regarding nearby YouBike rental kiosks, please ask for “Nangangshan Hiking Trail Map” from the Geotechnical Engineering Office.

Mr. Zheng Cheng-Hsiang from the Taiwan Nature Trail Society, who is very familiar with the ecology of Xiangshan, said that the various landforms such as ridges, rock cliffs and slopes along the trails support a wide variety of ferns, with a group of ancient ferns like golden chicken fern and common tree-fern being the most common. The forest of common tree-ferns represents the most valuable ecological characteristic of Taipei.

As the weather gets cooler, it’s time to hike and admire the natural beauty. Having enjoyed Xinyi Commercial District’s fashion and tasty foods, the Geotechnical Engineering Office invites you to ride the MRT and then bicycle to visit Xiangshan , enjoying the fun and beauty of nature.

Six Giant Rocks


Yixiantian (A Thread of Sky)


Photo-taking platform


Night view of Taipei 101


Shiliao (City Therapy) Trail


Elephant sculptures