Taipei 101, 44 South Village and Elephant Mountain Tour

This half-day Taipei walking/hiking tour passes through historical villages, recognized landmark buildings as the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper and combines with a pleasant urban hike along the famous Elephant Mountain to enjoy the best views of Taipei city. All with the explanations from a local guide.

One of Taiwan’s most recognized landmarks is the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, completed in 2004 and the world’s tallest building until 2009. The observation deck on the top floors of the building offers 360º views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Not surprisingly, Taipei 101 resides in the business district of Taipei, surrounded by Taiwan’s most expensive and luxurious apartments and the highest concentration of shopping malls in the world. At first glance, you’d never believe that just 60 years ago, this area was entirely rice fields! In this tour, we will show you around Xinyi District, and share its vibe and history.

Taipei 101 standing at 508 meters (1,666 foot) tall is one of the highest buildings in the world despite being completed more than 15 years ago (in 2004).

Visit very modern Taipei, and also get a peek at the past through a collection of old buildings still remaining, their distinct architecture reminiscent of simpler days gone by. We will stroll around 44 South Village, Taipei’s very first military dependents village, to discover the history of the Chinese military and their families who took refugee in Taiwan on late 40’s.

If there is one hike you must do in your visit to Taiwan, definitively has to be Elephant Mountain, especially at sunset, or to get the best views of Taipei city with its business district and skyscrapers mixed with the forest that covers Elephant Mountain.

It takes around 20-30 minutes up (1.9 km) and less to come down Elephant Mountain. The view of Taipei 101 towering the sky is magical.