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Xiangshan, Taipei

Coordinates: 25°01′37″N 121°34′36″E / 25.0269°N 121.5766°E / 25.0269; 121.5766
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Xiangshan
Elephant Mountain
Xiangshan as viewed from
Taipei 101's observation deck
Highest point
Elevation183 metres (600 ft)
Coordinates25°01′37″N 121°34′36″E / 25.0269°N 121.5766°E / 25.0269; 121.5766
Geography
Xiangshan is located in Taiwan
Xiangshan
Xiangshan
The location of Xiangshan
Selected locations in the Nangang Mountains near Xinyi District, Taipei
1
Xiangshan MRT, Exit 2
2
Daitiandian Lingyun Temple
3
Xiangshan (Elephant) summit
4
Shishan (Lion) summit
5
Baoshan (Leopard) summit
6
Hushan (Tiger) summit
7
Songshan Fengtian Temple
8
Houshanpi MRT
The location of Xiangshan
LocationXinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
Climbing
Easiest routeHiking trail

Xiangshan (Chinese: 象山), also known as Elephant Mountain[1] or Mount Elephant,[2] is a mountain in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is close to the Taipei Metro Xiangshan Station. It is 183 m (600 ft) high and has a hiking trail to the peak, covering a distance of about 1.5 km (0.93 mi).[3] Taipei 101 can be seen from the trail.[1] The Six Giant Rocks on the peak are a tourist attraction in Xiangshan,[2] and there are platforms for photographers.[4]

Name

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"Xiangshan" means "Elephant Mountain" in Chinese. Xiangshan's name comes from its elephant-like shape.[3]

Geology

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Xiangshan is one of the Four Beast Mountains (四獸山),[1] which also include Lion (獅山), Leopard (豹山), and Tiger (虎山) mountains in the Nangang Mountain System. It is mainly composed of sandstone. Plants include the ferns Cibotium cumingii and Cyathea lepifera.[2]

Transportation

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The trail to the mountain summit and observation platforms is accessible by walking south from Exit 2 of Xiangshan Station of the Taipei Metro, proceeding along Xiangshan Park to the western trailhead next to Daitiandian Lingyun Temple.[5]

As an alternative, hikers may proceed from the eastern end, starting from the trailhead behind Songshan Fengtian Temple, which is a short walk south from the Houshanpi station.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Saunders, Richard (February 2, 2018). "Off the Beaten Track: On the Trail of the Four Beasts". Taipei Times. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  2. ^ a b c "Nangang Mountain System: Xiangshan (Mt. Elephant) Hiking Trail". Travel.Taipei. Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government. 2016-04-14. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
  3. ^ a b "Mt. Elephant Trail (Xiangshan)". Hikingbook Inc. Retrieved 2024-02-22.
  4. ^ Liao, George (December 28, 2017). "Xiangshan good for watching Taipei 101 fireworks display but not for light show: GEO". Taiwan News. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  5. ^ "Elephant Mountain (Taipei) - The adventurer's guide to conquering Xiangshan". Big Little Island. 18 September 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2022.