Maokong (貓空) is a hillside tea-growing village in Taipei's Wenshan District, famous for its Tieguanyin and Baozhong teas. The classic outing is riding the Maokong Gondola up to the ridge, then sipping tea in a mountaintop teahouse while overlooking Taipei's cityscape and night skyline. It's a relaxed half-day escape easily reached from the city center.
The Maokong Gondola: about 4 km and a roughly 20-minute one-way ride, climbing up to ~300 m. Roughly one in three cabins is a glass-floored 'Crystal Cabin' for a thrilling view straight down.
Ridge-line teahouses where you can drink Tieguanyin and Baozhong while taking in Taipei's night view (sunset is especially popular).
Zhinan Temple, a large Taoist temple honoring Lü Dongbin of the Eight Immortals, linked to its own gondola station.
Gentle walking trails such as the Camphor Tree (Zhangshu) Trail through tea terraces and bamboo, plus the Taipei Tea Promotion Center.
Natural sights like the Tea Fragrance loop trail and the Maokong potholes, and tea-based dishes such as tea-seed-oil noodles and tea-smoked chicken.
Good to know
SeasonThe gondola suspends service in strong wind, heavy rain, or typhoons for safety (it pauses around wind gusts of ~16 m/s or higher). During summer typhoon season or rainy days, always check the official site/app for operating status before heading out.
RulesThe gondola is normally closed Mondays for maintenance (exceptions: national holidays and the first Monday of the month). If you plan a Monday visit, verify it's running. Hours are generally 09:00–21:00 on weekdays and 09:00–22:00 on weekends/holidays, but confirm the latest before you go.
CautionTeahouse tea is usually sold by the pot/portion rather than as a cheap single cup, so it can feel pricey and touristy. Check the price list and any per-person minimum (tea plus a water/seating charge) before ordering—and take home any unused leaves, which are yours to keep.
MannersAt Zhinan Temple and other shrines, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is respectful. Don't photograph worshippers or altars up close without care, and keep your voice down around people praying.
SafetyIt's a mountain, so temperatures drop sharply after sunset and mist or dew can make paths slippery. If you stay for the night view, leave a comfortable buffer for the last gondola, and bring a small flashlight since trail lighting is dim after dark.
MannersA well-known superstition says couples who visit Zhinan Temple together will break up (the temple denies this). Believe it or not as you like, but avoid needlessly spooking couples in your group with the story.
Practical info
Take the MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line to its terminus, Taipei Zoo Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the gondola's Zoo Station to board. Fares run around NT$180 one-way, NT$300 for a one-day pass, and +NT$50 per person for a Crystal Cabin; EasyCard gives a weekday discount (discounted fares are limited to ROC nationals). Prices, hours, and closures can change—confirm the latest on the official site.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
