Step by step

City trails in Taipei are special. You might be used to Europe’s alpine paths like I am, naturally trailing up the mountain sides. But the city trails of Taiwan take a different approach. They attack the hills straight on, stairs following the gradient of the mountain’s surface. Even the steps’ height is determined by the rocks underneath.

Elephant Mountain is no different. The stairs are hard on the knees but this doesn’t deter the tourists and citizens. The main paths are often full of children (tired) and elders (tenacious!) alike. For the locals, more secluded side paths offer ways to evade the crowds and queues.

Whatever path you chose, it’s worth it to take it slow and save your breath. Let not exhaustion distract you from the treasures on the way or the view!