[2025 Taipei ] Travel Guide for Maokong Gondola (Updated Feb)
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Natural scenery
Cable car
Night view
• Take in the beautiful scenery from a high altitude and enjoy the great view of Taipei• Ride in the fully transparent crystal car, look up to see the mountain scenery, and look down to enjoy the scenery passing by at your feet• You can also take a ride at night to see the night view of Taipei, including Taipei 101.△ The Maokong Cable Car has four stations in total, namely Zoo Station, Zoo Station, Zhanzhi Palace Station and Maokong Station. The whole journey takes about 17 minutes. The Maokong Cable Car connects the Maokong Mountain Area. From the top of the carriage, you can see the entire Maokong Scenic Area.△ The cable car is divided into ordinary carriages and crystal carriages. The floor of the crystal carriage is made of fully transparent tempered glass. When you look up in the carriage, you can see the mountain scenery in the distance, and when you look down, you can enjoy the scenery passing by.△ Take the bus to the zoo station. You will pass above the zoo and you can hear the sounds of animals.
Day 1: Arrival & Taipei City Highlights
Morning
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – Iconic landmark with a grand plaza and changing of the guard.
Presidential Office Building (outside view) – Historic architecture from the Japanese era.
Afternoon
Ximending – Taipei’s youth district with trendy shops, street performances, and local eats.
Try Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodles and Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken.
Evening
Longshan Temple – One of Taipei’s most famous and oldest temples.
Huaxi Street Night Market – Known for traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Day 2: Taipei's Modern & Cultural Side
Morning
Taipei 101 Observatory – Stunning city views from Taiwan’s tallest building.
Breeze Shopping Mall – Luxury shopping and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Afternoon
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall – Learn about Taiwan’s history.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park – Art exhibitions, indie stores, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Evening
Raohe Night Market – Try pepper buns, grilled squid, and bubble tea.
Walk along Rainbow Bridge, a scenic riverside area.
Day 3: Day Trip to Tamsui & Beitou Hot Springs
Morning
Tamsui Old Street – Enjoy street food and river views.
Fort San Domingo – A historic fort with colonial history.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Lover’s Bridge – Great sunset spot.
Afternoon
Beitou Hot Springs – Visit Beitou Hot Spring Museum and soak in natural hot springs.
Thermal Valley – A misty, steaming hot spring lake.
Evening
Shilin Night Market – The largest and most famous night market in Taipei.
Try oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and Taiwanese sausages.
Day 4: Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip
Morning
Shifen Old Street – Release sky lanterns with wishes.
Shifen Waterfall – Taiwan’s “Little Niagara.”
Afternoon
Jiufen Old Street – Explore the charming alleys, tea houses, and shops.
Try taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and tea.
Evening
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse.
Return to Taipei.
Day 5: Yangmingshan National Park
Morning
Xiaoyoukeng – Volcanic fumaroles and hot steam vents.
Qingtiangang Grassland – A scenic hiking area with wild buffalo.
Afternoon
Zhuzihu Calla Lily Fields (seasonal: March–May).
Lengshuikeng Hot Spring Foot Bath – Free public foot soaking area.
Evening
Ningxia Night Market – Famous for Taiwanese pastries, grilled seafood, and fried chicken.
Day 6: Maokong Tea Culture & Elephant Mountain
Morning
Maokong Gondola – Scenic ride up the mountains.
Maokong Tea Plantations – Enjoy fresh Taiwanese tea with a mountain view.
Afternoon
Taipei Zoo – Visit Taiwan’s largest zoo, home to pandas and koalas.
Evening
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) – Best sunset and night view of Taipei 101.
Dinner at Din Tai Fung (famous for xiao long bao soup dumplings).
Carol543
3
Taipei Maokong Cable Car - the best choice to enjoy Taipei's spectacular mountain views and panoramic city views
Maokong Cable Car is located in Taipei City, Taiwan. It is the first cable car system in the city. It was opened in 2007. It is about 4 kilometers in length and takes about 30 minutes one way. The cable car was designed by a French company and has four main stations: Zoo Station, Zoo South Station, Zhanzhi Palace Station and Maokong Station, connecting downtown Taipei and Maokong area. The Maokong Cable Car has a modern design, with ordinary carriages and transparent glass-bottomed carriages.
Take the cable car and enjoy spectacular mountain views and panoramic views of the city. The view is wide and you can even see Taipei's landmark 101 building. Going up to the Maokong area, there are many hiking trails and tea gardens. You can take a hike here or take a rest in a tea garden or coffee shop, which is suitable for different types of tourists.
The Maokong Cable Car is not only a means of transportation, but also an excellent choice for sightseeing. It is recommended that you consider visiting the zoo on the same day to enrich your itinerary.
#cable car
#100 Ways to Travel
benkwan
4
🚡 Maokong Gondola Ride 📍Taipei
One of the must-try experience in Taipei is taking a ride on the Maokong Gondola. It is a scenic cable car ride that connects the Taipei Zoo to the mountainous area of Maokong.
The gondola has four main stations:
🌟 Taipei Zoo Station
The starting point, located near the Taipei Zoo.
🌟 Taipei Zoo South Station
🌟 Zhinan Temple Station
Known for its beautiful temple and cultural significance.
🌟 Maokong Station
The final stop, where you can explore the tea plantations and enjoy the local cuisine.
#travellerswonderland #100WaysOfTravel #taiwan #taipei #maokong #gondola #tripblazers
mushroom055
6
🚡 Maokong Gondola Ride from Taipei Zoo to Maokong
The Maokong Gondola is a scenic cable car ride in Taipei, Taiwan, that connects the Taipei Zoo to the mountainous area of Maokong. The ride offers beautiful views of the city, lush forests, and tea plantations. Maokong is famous for its tea culture, making it a popular destination for those who want to experience traditional Taiwanese tea houses, hiking trails, and a serene environment. The gondola has four stations: Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station. The ride from Taipei Zoo to Maokong takes about 15 minutes.
#cablecars #100WaysOfTravel #taiwan #taipei #maokong #gondola #tripblazers
#cherryblossom2024
This is the part 1 of 4 posts about experience the best of Taipei's beauty, culture, and enchantment ❗️
To start your journey 🚋 Hop on the Maokong Gondola: A Journey to Tranquility 🍃
Embark on a scenic ride through Taipei's picturesque landscapes as you ascend to Maokong with lots of breathtaking views! 🌿✨
🚇 From Taipei station it is about 1 hour to get there by subway (9-10am)
⏰ Time: 10-11am
⌛ Duration: 1 hour (including possible queue)
💰 Entrance Fee: NT$120 (approx.)
🍽️ Relish in Maokong's Culinary Delights: A Tea Lover's Paradise 🍽️
Treat your taste buds to a delightful lunch in Maokong's enchanting tea houses and local restaurants. Savor a cup of freshly brewed tea while you feast on delicious cuisine, all while enjoying the awe-inspiring mountain vistas. It's a sensory experience like no other! 🍜🍵🌄
⏰ Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
⌛ Duration: 2 hours
💰 Entrance Fee: free
🏯 Explore Serenity at Chih Nan Temple: Where Tranquility Beckons 🙏
As you descend from Maokong, discover the peaceful ambiance of Chih Nan Temple. Marvel at its exquisite architecture and take a leisurely stroll through its serene grounds 🌸
👣walk to temple on a beautiful and tranquil path (it takes about 1 hour)
⏰ Time: 2:30-3:30pm
⌛ Duration: 1 hour
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
🗼 Reach New Heights at Taipei 101: Iconic Skyscraper Experience 🌆
Embark on a captivating journey to the top of Taipei 101, a symbol of Taiwan's modern development. Witness the city's skyline from the observation deck and delve into the engineering marvels behind this architectural masterpiece. Don't miss the mesmerizing sunset views!
🚇 about 1 hour to get there by subway
⏰ Time: 5-6:30pm (enjoy the sunset there)
⌛ Duration: 2 hours
💰 Entrance Fee: NT$600 (approx.)
🏞️ Conquer the Elephant Mountain Trail: Breathtaking Skyline Vistas 📸
Embark on an adventure along the Elephant Mountain Trail, renowned for its awe-inspiring views of Taipei's skyline and Taipei 101. Ascend to the mountaintop and capture postcard-worthy photographs of the cityscape below. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for this unforgettable hike! 🚶♀️🌌
⏰ Time: 7-8:30pm
⌛ Duration: 1.5 hours
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
#historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #localguides #skyscrapers #taipei101
Alineoptera
71
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The Maokon
The Maokong Gondoloa was a beautiful way to visit tge mountain-top tea houses. We took the cable car from Taipei Zoo station. We did a hike in some of the trails. There is no proper map available showing details of the trails. But at least we experienced.
#happynewyear
Shannennash
27
Taipei's m
Taipei's most worthwhile aerial project: "Cat Air Cable Car"!
The first cable car in the city of Taipei includes sitting in a carriage for about 17 minutes. There are two types of cable cars. The ordinary cable cars and the crystal cable cars. The bottoms of the crystal cable cars are fully transparent tempered glass, allowing you to see through it. You can have a cool view of the mountains. The crystal car can be reversed, but it still needs to wait for about 10 of the ordinary cable cars to come along.
When the sky is clear, you can see the Taipei 101 building in the city centre from the cable car. It is recommended to go during the day time, not only to enjoy the beautiful pastoral trails, but also to see the blue sky and white clouds! After the cable cars came up, the tea houses on Maokong Mountain became a favourite of the Taipei people. The smaller and larger sightseeing tea gardens around it became the most special leisure time on this hill.
Fiorelady.
7
Taipei
Taipei today~*Maokong Dusk* Maokong Scenic Area in Wenshan District, a suburb of Taipei, is a famous production area for Tieguanyin tea.
The Maokong Gondola is a popular sightseeing facility in northern Taiwan, offering views of the Taipei Basin and Taipei 101. The night view is beautiful~
Hazel.Simmons.51
Scenic Maokong Gondola Ride to Tea and Tranquility
Maokong, located in the hills just outside Taipei, is a charming destination known for its tea culture and stunning views. The best way to reach this scenic area is by taking the Maokong Gondola, which offers a unique experience with both regular cable cars and thrilling glass-floor crystal cable cars. For those who aren't afraid of heights, the crystal cable car provides an exciting view of the lush landscape below.
Once you reach Maokong Station, visitors can enjoy a visit to one of the many traditional tea houses, where they can sample a variety of high-quality teas, including the famous Maokong Oolong. Some tea houses offer a stunning view of Taipei 101 in the distance, making the experience even more memorable. To complement the tea, try local tea snacks such as oolong ice cream, Maokong oolong cheesecake, or hot sweet potatoes, all of which pair perfectly with the region’s signature tea.
Maokong is also known for its real cats that roam around the tea houses, adding to the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're sipping tea with a view of the city or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Maokong offers a unique, tranquil escape from the bustle of Taipei.
#newyearnewtrip
Randomstuffsg
1
Experience the breathtaking beauty of aerial travel.
Taking the Maokong Gondola feels like embarking on a romantic journey in the sky. As the gondola slowly ascends, the urban landscape of Taipei City intertwines with lush green mountains, offering a broad and refreshing view. Especially when riding the 'Crystal Cabin,' the transparent floor provides a thrilling and novel experience as the mountains and rivers unfold beneath your feet. The gondola's final stop is Maokong, renowned for its tea culture, where tea gardens and a tranquil atmosphere make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether enjoying the mountain scenery during the day or the city lights at night, each offers a unique beauty. The stop at the zoo station makes it ideal for family trips to explore nature together. The Maokong Gondola is not just a journey to beautiful scenery but also a relaxing retreat into nature.
_Angry
#familytri
#familytrip
Abegail Capellan
Traveling by Gondola
Traveling by gondola is really great. It's not too high, the atmosphere is nice, and you get a wide view. The food up there is reasonably priced, and the scenery is beautiful with plenty of photo spots. The gondola is comfortable, and the staff manage things quite well. The snacks are delicious, and the savory food has its own unique style. It doesn't take long, and there are 4 stations to stop at. The price is reasonable.
Mayshampion
H-O-T-T-O-G-O in Taipei
Getting There - go all the way to the Brown Line to get to the Taipei Zoo Station, from there it’s just a 5 min walk going to Maokong Gondola station.
We enjoyed the summer heat with the coolest and sweetest mango shake on top of Maokong Village. Everyone was so friendly and we had such great time walking around
#taipei #taiwan #food #drinkspotlight #family #friends
bbeyos
#maekong-g
#maekong-gondola Very nice views, very long ride, enjoyable!
Emiddio
Mountains Coffee house
For those who like hiking, I recommend this place while your trip in Taiwan
Pu@Leng289
Sky High Tranquility: Maokong Gondola
#winhkflight
Riding the Maokong Gondola in Taipei, Taiwan, is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the city's lush mountains and verdant landscapes.
As the gondola gently ascends into the sky, passengers are treated to panoramic vistas of Taipei's bustling urban sprawl giving way to the tranquil beauty of Maokong's tea plantations and rolling hills. The scenery is simply mesmerizing, with each passing moment revealing new sights and perspectives.
One of the highlights of the Maokong Gondola experience is the opportunity to visit the quaint village of Maokong itself. Nestled amidst the mountains, this charming enclave is renowned for its traditional tea culture and picturesque tea houses. Visitors can sample a variety of freshly brewed teas while taking in the serene ambiance of the surrounding countryside.
The journey back down on the gondola offers yet another chance to marvel at Taipei's stunning skyline, as the city's glittering skyscrapers come into view once more. The gentle swaying of the gondola and the soothing hum of the cable car's mechanisms create a sense of tranquility that is both exhilarating and serene.
Overall, riding the Maokong Gondola is a must-do experience for visitors to Taipei. Whether you're a nature lover, a tea enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, the Maokong Gondola offers an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Jack KF
2
Fun Maokong Gondola ride
#hiddengems
In Taipei, we decided to take the Maokong gondola to explore all the way up to where the tea plantations are located. We chose the glass bottomed gondola over the normal one as it was slightly more expensive but the experience was alot more worthwhile. While most of the shops were closed as we went there close to the Chinese New Year period, there were fortunately a few smaller shops available for a quick snack of soybean drink and glutinous rice mochi.
awh0lenew0rld
1
#trip
#trip
janelle.babas
Lip-Smacking Food at Redwood Tea House, Taipei!
Redwood Tea House at Maokong Gondola, Taipei serves delicious super fresh food, generous portion size, great ambience, and beautiful view of Taipei 101.
Had fried rice with tea oil, panini with grilled vegetables, custard buns, & Longan Latte.
Vegetarians don't panic, ample choices for every taste, palate, and preference.
Highly recommended restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan.
#taipeieats #taiwanfood #redwoodteahouse
traveltolalalands
27
猫空站
Jasonskk70
Taipei Maokong Gondola and Lantern Festival
1. Maokong Gondola
Address - taipei
Highlights - cable car
Rating - 10
2. Lantern festival
Address - fugang
Highlights - lanterns and street lights and foods
Rating - 10
#valentinescape
Thenna
Great place for nature and tea lover.
Address - Maokong is an area located in Wenshan District of Taipei, Taiwan.
Ambiance/Facilities - On the way to the beat of the station, there was this cool demonstrate which appeared how the gondola makes its way to the crests of Maokong.
Many restaurants in the area offer both tea and food. A combination of traditional tea culture, food, and scenery are the main reasons the area has become a popular tourist destination.
Highlights - Maokong is Taipei’s tea tourism epicentre. A vertiginous valley split by the roaring Zhinan River, its dramatic scenery contrasts with the serenity of a cup of oolong in one of its famous teahouses.
Avg. Price per Person - NTD 120
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#skiadventure #themepark #staycation
YchelNrvs
1
The cat ai
The cat air cable car is a must-see attraction in Taipei. From the platform, you will feel the lovely atmosphere.
Sitting on the cable car, you can overlook the Taipei 101 sightseeing tower and overlook the tea garden. A green and beautiful scenery is at your feet. Dont turn around when you reach the top of the mountain. You can also take the food that occupies the best scenery. Enjoy a sunny afternoon tea in the shop, Taiwan's milk tea, green tea, are very good price and delicious.
The zoo station from Taipei to the cable car can take the MRT to the zoo station.
Sophia..
2
The Cat Ai
The Cat Air Cable Car is the first sightseeing cable car in Taipei and the longest and most popular cable car in Taiwan.
The new mode of transportation not only allows passengers to overlook the cat empty tea garden from a high altitude, but also looks forward to retaining the pure and complete natural environment of the cat empty. During the typhoon in 2008, the pedestal was washed away by rain. After being identified by the Technician Association, there were safety concerns. Therefore, it stopped at 3 pm on October 1 and resumed normal operation until March 30, 2010. During the stoppage, a new cat air cable service center will be set up, and a large animal shape music clock in front of the cat cable zoo station and a landscape water dance fountain near the station will be set up.
Vickyqin.
1
The cat em
The cat empty air cable car is the abbreviation of the cable car in the cat empty area of Taipei. The route is from Taipei Zoo to Maokong Station, which is 4.03 kilometers long and is the first cable car in Taipei. The entire Taipei can be seen on the cable car. There are a lot of people waiting in line for the cat air cable car, especially the crystal car. If you don't make an appointment in advance, you may have to wait for more than 30 minutes.
Location: No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City/Hh/ Opening Hours: Monday is the maintenance day and is closed all day. The rest of the time is open.
fare: 120 Taiwan dollars, the whole journey is about 20 minutes, enjoy the scenery.
You can choose to take the car or take the cable car when going down the mountain. However, the cable car down the mountain can no longer be reserved, only queued.