Mount Jiantan - Taipei, Taiwan
I had planned to hike Mount Jiantan (153 m) a few days earlier, but the weather hadn’t cooperated. The mountain is conveniently located just a short train ride from Taipei Station to Jiantan Station, followed by a brief walk to the trailhead.
The hike began with a series of stairs before leveling out, and it didn’t take long to reach the summit. The highlight, however, was the city views along the way. Most hikers continue past Mount Jiantan to the Old Place Airplane Observation Deck, which offers an unobstructed view of Songshan Airport, Taipei 101, and the surrounding city skyline. While I didn’t see any planes taking off, the deck itself was charming, featuring paper airplane sculptures and other aviation-themed decorations.
I turned back from the observation deck, though the trail continues if you want to explore further. On my way down, I passed The Grand Hotel, Taiwan’s tallest building from 1973 to 1981. Locals once used it as a landmark to know they’d arrived in Taipei, and it has hosted visiting foreign presidents. Visitors can explore the interior even without staying there, with access to its elegant coffee shop and souvenir store. The design inside was as grand as the exterior, exuding an elegant and luxurious feel. I snapped a few photos before heading back to Jiantan Station.
After the hike, I returned to Taipei Station by train and then boarded another train bound for Hualien, continuing my journey along Taiwan’s east coast.
History & Background
Mount Jiantan is part of the mountains surrounding Taipei’s Shilin District, offering accessible hiking trails with scenic city vistas. Its proximity to The Grand Hotel adds historical significance, as the hotel is an iconic Taipei landmark built in the 1970s in traditional Chinese palace style. The area surrounding Jiantan blends natural greenery with urban development, giving hikers a unique combination of city and mountain scenery. The Old Place Airplane Observation Deck reflects Taipei’s modern urban culture, providing a playful viewpoint of Songshan Airport’s daily activity.
Getting There
From Taipei Station, take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Jiantan Station (R15). The trailhead is a short walk from the station, making it highly accessible for a morning or afternoon hike.
Route Overview
Distance: 5.8 km out & back (Jiantan Station)
Total elevation gain: 273 m
Duration: 1 hr 33 min (with breaks 1 hr 40 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peaks: Mt Jiantan 劍潭山 153m, Old Place Airplane Observation Deck 老地方觀機平台 194m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Taipei Station → Jiantan Station — NT$20
