Top 7 Best Spots to Photograph Taipei 101 in 2026

Taipei 101 (台北101) is one of Asia’s most photogenic skyscrapers and the defining symbol of modern Taiwan. Whether you’re a dedicated photographer or simply want a great shot to remember your trip by, here are the 7 best spots to photograph Taipei 101 in 2026.

1. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) – The Classic View

The most famous and most photographed Taipei 101 viewpoint is Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan, 象山) — a rocky hillside just east of the tower with stunning elevated views of both Taipei 101 and the city spread below. The 20-minute hike up steep stone steps rewards with iconic panoramas.

Best time: Sunrise (for pink sky and soft light), golden hour, or nighttime (city lights glittering below the illuminated tower). The tower is lit differently for major holidays and events.

Access: 10-minute walk from Xiangshan MRT Station (end of Red Line 4).

2. Taipei 101 Observation Deck

The indoor observation deck (89F) and outdoor observation deck (91F) provide the highest accessible views in Taipei — looking DOWN at the city in every direction from 382 meters. On clear days, you can see the entire Taipei basin, surrounding mountains, and distant ocean.

For photography: the glass-fronted observation areas allow clean shots; early opening time (9 AM) provides soft morning light over the city.

3. Da’an Forest Park – Green Frame + Tower

Da’an Forest Park (大安森林公園) — Taipei’s largest urban park — provides an unusual perspective: Taipei 101 framed by tree canopy and reflected in the park’s central pond. On misty autumn or winter mornings, the tower emerges above the treeline in a particularly atmospheric way.

4. Xinyi District Street Level

Simply walking the streets of Xinyi District around the tower’s base provides dramatic low-angle shots of the tower soaring overhead. The surrounding luxury mall complex creates interesting urban geometry at street level. The fountain plaza directly in front of the tower is perfect at night when the tower is fully illuminated.

5. Maokong Gondola

The Maokong Gondola climbs into the tea hills southeast of Taipei. From the upper stations, Taipei 101 appears in the distance, framed by forested hillsides and tea plantations — particularly beautiful at dusk when the tower begins to glow against the darkening sky.

6. Four Beasts Mountains (Sizihao Mountain)

Less visited than Elephant Mountain, the nearby Four Beasts Mountains hiking area offers multiple elevated viewpoints with slightly different angles on Taipei 101 and the eastern city districts. The higher altitude also allows shots looking DOWN on Taipei 101’s distinctive tiered architecture from above.

7. Nangang Exhibition Center Area

From the elevated highway and MRT viaduct in the Nangang area to the east, Taipei 101 appears as the dramatic focal point of Taipei’s urban skyline against the backdrop of the Central Mountains. Particularly striking at sunset when the mountains turn purple behind the tower’s gold-lit glass façade.

Photography Tips for Taipei 101

• Best weather: Clear days are most common in autumn (October–December) and spring; summer brings more cloud and occasional typhoon haze
• Night photography: The tower is illuminated nightly; on special occasions (Chinese New Year, National Day) it runs special light shows
• New Year countdown: Taipei 101’s fireworks display on New Year’s Eve is one of Asia’s most spectacular — Elephant Mountain fills to capacity hours before midnight
• Avoid smoggy days: Winter occasionally brings air quality issues from continental winds — check AQI before planning shoots

✍️ Phan The Anh – one of Vietnam’s most popular travel bloggers. Follow on YouTube @ThayGiaoAnh, Instagram @lecturer.anh & TikTok @phantheanh88.

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Camera Settings and Timing Tips for Taipei 101

Getting the perfect Taipei 101 shot requires more than just location — timing and settings matter:

• Blue Hour (30 min after sunset): The ideal time for most spots — the sky turns deep indigo, Taipei 101 lights up, and the exposure balance between sky and building is perfect. Arrive at your chosen spot 45 min before sunset.
• Daytime: Aim for mid-morning (9–11am) when air pollution levels are typically lowest, giving you the clearest backgrounds. Overcast days can create dramatic moody shots.
• Lens choice: A 24–70mm zoom covers most scenarios. For Elephant Mountain, a wider angle (16–24mm) captures both the tower and surrounding cityscape. For compressed telephoto shots, 70–200mm is ideal from Daan Park.
• Tripod: Essential for any low-light or long-exposure shots. Carbon fiber tripods are lighter for hiking to Elephant Mountain.
• Drone photography: Taipei has designated drone zones — check the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) Taiwan website before flying. Taipei 101’s airspace has restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Taipei 101 light up at night?

Taipei 101 illuminates from approximately 6pm until midnight, with a green ring design on standard nights. Special light shows occur on New Year’s Eve (midnight fireworks from the tower are world-famous), national holidays, and during major events like Earth Hour. The building also turns different colours for international awareness campaigns.

Is the Taipei 101 observation deck worth the price?

The indoor observation deck on the 89th floor (NT$600 adults) offers a 360° view and is a comfortable option in any weather. The outdoor 91st floor deck adds fresh air and is free with your indoor ticket. For photography, exterior spots like Elephant Mountain typically give more dynamic compositions — save the indoor deck for a clear-day panorama or the novelty of seeing the massive anti-seismic damper sphere (世界最大阻尼器) up close.

Can you photograph Taipei 101 for free?

Yes — all exterior photography from public locations (Elephant Mountain, Daan Park, Xinyi District plaza) is completely free. The observation deck charges NT$600 for interior shots from above. Many photographers argue the best compositions come from ground level or slightly elevated public viewpoints, making expensive indoor tickets unnecessary for photography purposes.