Taipei 101 Viewed From Elephant Hill象山

 Before I came to Taipei, I had done some research on line, on the best location to capture the night scene of Taipei. Most people recommended Elephant Hill 象山.

We took the subway. After a few transits, we got out at the Elephant Hill Station. After about 15 minutes’ walk, we were at the beginning point of the stairs that would lead us up to the viewing points.

We began our climb. It was tiring, especially when you were carrying your gear. Although there were a few viewing platforms at lower levels along the trail we targeted the ‘Six Giant Rocks’ which was the most popular shooting ground for photographers.

 It took us more than 30 minutes to reach that point. We were soaked to the skin with sweats when we reached.

 During our stay at Taiwan the whole Island was blanketed with a thick layer of fog, and so sunset view was ruled out. May be this was the main reason why there was only a few of us to fight for the little space.

 I was told that that piece of rock on which a few guys were lying was the best spot to set up your gear, but it looked too risky for a senior like me.

 I set up my tripods on more solid ground. It was still bright then. We waited for Mother Nature to turn off her light. The cool breeze had by now dried up our bodies.

As the sky was getting darker, the buildings switched on their lights. Taipei 101 after dark and with lights on, is so spectacular

It’s like a pretty lady putting on all her jewellery. We couldn’t help but wowed with awe.

After witnessing this beautiful sight right before us, we felt that it was worth the while to have slogged for more than half an hour to climb up here.

We will come back again when the sky is clear so as to capture sunset over Taipei 101.