Xiang Hot Spring (Beitou)
Private bath houses in Taipei’s hot-spring quarter.
At a glance
| Tickets | From NT$ 600 (often cheaper online) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 11:00–21:00 (last entry 20:15) |
| Visit length | About 1–2 hours |
| Book ahead? | Recommended—skip lines and save |
| Transport | MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station Exit 4 |
About the observatory
Taipei 101 held the world’s tallest building title from 2004–2010; at 508 m and 101 floors above grade it remains Taiwan’s architectural icon and a New Year’s fireworks beacon.
The 89F indoor deck sits about 382 m above sea level—on clear days you read the Taipei Basin grid, Yangmingshan, the Tamsui River toward the sea, and sometimes Keelung Islet. For a fast orientation to Taipei’s geography, it’s unmatched.
Ticket types and prices
Figures follow common published tiers—always confirm at purchase:
| Type | Walk-in (ref.) | Online (ref.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | NT$ 600 | From ~NT$ 540 | 89F observatory |
| Concession | NT$ 540 | From ~NT$ 490 | Students, seniors 65+ |
| Fast track | NT$ 1,200 | From ~NT$ 1,080 | Dedicated elevator, shorter wait |
| Skyline 460 | NT$ 3,000 | — | Outdoor 101F experience—book separately |
Suggestion: Most visitors are fine with a discounted general ticket on Klook—QR entry saves counter queues, crucial on busy weekend afternoons.
Saving with kids
Children under 6 or under 115 cm are often free—carry proof. Some bank cards stack promos—check before you buy.
Best times to visit
Weekday vs weekend
- Weekday 11:00–13:00 — Quietest right after opening.
- Weekday afternoon — Crowds build but stay manageable.
- Weekends — Busier all day; try after 17:00.
Day vs night
- Day 11:00–16:00 — Clearest long views; summer midday haze possible.
- Golden hour ~17:00–19:00 — Day-to-night transition—popular choice.
- Night 19:00–21:00 — Neon Xinyi mood, different photo palette.
Photography tip
Golden-hour soft light flatters faces and city tones; a wide lens captures the big windows—mind reflections and other guests’ space.
Getting to Taipei 101
MRT (recommended)
- Taipei 101/World Trade Center (Tamsui–Xinyi Line / Red): Exit 4 into the mall—observatory entrance minutes away on foot.
- City Hall (Bannan Line / Blue): Exit 2—about 10 minutes through Xinyi shopping streets.
Bus
Multiple routes serve Taipei 101 / WTC stops—examples: 20, 22, 33, 37, 226, 288.
Taxi / ride-hail
From Taipei Main area often 15–20 minutes traffic-dependent; mall basement has taxi stands.
Driving
Mall parking—rates vary weekday/weekend; spending may qualify for partial validation.
What you’ll see inside
- 360° gallery — Floor-to-ceiling glass with audio guides describing landmarks.
- Tuned mass damper — The 660-ton golden sphere stabilizing the tower—engineering highlight.
- Coral gallery — Taiwan coral crafts (mind gift-shop sales tone).
- High-altitude postbox — Postcards with special cancellation.
- Souvenirs — 91F retail—premium pricing.
Skyline 460 (advanced)
Outdoor 101F rooftop experience (~460 m) with safety gear and photography—separate ~NT$3,000 ticket, limited slots, advance booking required.
Visitor notes
- Elevator — 5F to 89F in ~37 seconds—among the world’s fastest; swallow or yawn if ears are sensitive.
- Weather — Rain or fog reduces views; tickets typically non-refundable for weather.
- Prohibited — Tripods and drones; no meals on the observatory deck.
- Clothing — Comfortable shoes; indoor AC—light layer helps.
Nearby add-ons
- Sisinan Village — ~5 minutes on foot—heritage cottages and weekend markets.
- Vieshow Cinemas Xinyi — Dining and movies minutes away.
- Songshan Cultural Park — ~15 minutes walk or short bus—exhibitions in historic tobacco plant buildings.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall — One MRT stop—guard changing ceremonies.
FAQ
General NT$600, concessions NT$540—online often ~10% off with QR entry via Klook and similar.
Walk-up works, but online tickets save money and avoid long ticket lines—especially weekend afternoons.
Open year-round; heavy cloud or rain limits distance views—tickets usually non-refundable for weather—check the forecast.
Typical 1–1.5 hours for a loop, damper, and shop; audiophiles and photographers may want ~2 hours.
Entering 17:00–18:00 often catches day-to-night; adjust for seasonal sunset—winter earlier, summer later.
Is it worth it?
As Taipei’s signature tower, the observatory remains a first-timer staple—pricing sits mid-range globally versus towers in Tokyo or Shanghai, with strong basin views.
Short on time—aim for golden hour once for dual lighting; photographers may prefer crisp weekday mornings. Either way, buy online first to save money and queue stress.
Ticket prices change—confirm on the official site or booking platform before purchase.