Sipping Tea Above the City: A Morning at Sunyang Tea House, Maokong

#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere Sunyang Tea House was our first stop after taking the Maokong cable car up, and stepping into its open-air seating felt like entering a different world—one where time moved slower. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint earthy scent of tea plantations that stretched across the hills. From our table, we could see Taipei 101 standing tall in the distance, surrounded by layers of misty mountains and the sprawling cityscape below. With tea plantations everywhere, skipping tea just didn’t feel right. We ordered a pot of Maokong Tie Kuan Yin, which came with unlimited hot water refills. The tea had a delicate floral aroma, deepening into a roasted nuttiness with each steep. Pouring the tea slowly into small porcelain cups, feeling the warmth in our hands, and taking unhurried sips—it was one of those moments that made us appreciate the simple things. Then came the real highlight: their homemade oolong tea cheesecake. It was dusted with finely ground oolong tea powder, adding a subtle bitterness that balanced the creamy, velvety texture. Each bite melted effortlessly, the tea’s natural fragrance lingering on the tongue. Paired with the homemade oolong tea jelly—cool, bouncy, and lightly sweet—it was a combination that felt both indulgent and refreshing. As we sat there, letting time slip by between sips of tea and bites of cheesecake, the morning sunlight started filtering through the trees, casting soft shadows over the teahouse. There was a quiet rhythm to everything—the rustling of leaves, the distant chatter of other visitors, the occasional clinking of teacups. It was peaceful, unhurried, and exactly what we needed to soak in the charm of Maokong after the scenic gondola ride.