This one’s fantastic if you’re looking for something simple and easily accessible by transit.
Just a 7-minute walk from Nangang Exhibition Center Station will get you to the start of the Little Nangang Mountain trail. Hike just 10-15 minutes up a series of stairs through a mini forest, and you’ll reach the top of the mountain.
On the way up, you’ll pass by a temple (終南洞三聖宮). To the side and behind the temple are a couple of places to view surrounding scenery as well as catch the sunset, although the view is obstructed by trees. Stay here if you like, or keep walking a few minutes to the top of the main staircase.
Once you arrive at the peak, there is one main sunset-viewing platform, which offers a chance to see the sunset over Taipei. So if there are other people, you might have to compete for picture-taking space. For what it’s worth, when I’ve gone during the week, there’s only been one or two other people up there around sunset time.
The view of Nangang and Xinyi in the distance is pretty good, although the view from the main platform (when I visited in 2020-2022) is obstructed in the middle by a tree, making it impossible to see the full skyline unless you have a drone.
You can also go to a different viewpoint adjacent from the main platform that gives a great view of Xizhi ahead and Neihu/Songshan to the west. Depending on the season, you might also be able to catch a glimpse of the sun from here as it nears the horizon.
This could be considered a more laid-back alternative to its bigger brother in the distance, Nangang Mountain, which is connected to the Four Beasts Mountain series of trails (these include the classic Elephant Mountain). Little Nangang Mountain is much easier to get to by MRT than Nangang Mountain.
Map Link
Nearest Station(s)
- MRT Nangang Exhibition Center Station | Last Blue Line train: 00:00 (Timetables)
Parking Info
If parking, look for a parking space on Datong Road Section 1.
Entry
Free
Lit After Dark?
Partially
Sunset Perspective Rating (1-10; 1 is the least perspectives to see the sunset, 10 is the most)
3
Crowded Factor (1 is the least crowded, 10 is the most crowded)
2
Hike Difficulty (0-10; 0 = no hike, 1 = easiest, 10 = hardest)
2
Return Factor (1-10; 1 = simplest, 10 = hardest/most dangerous)
2
Popular for Night Views?
No
View album and buy prints
I’ve been here! To see an album containing the shots above and more, and/or to purchase prints, click the link below.