Maokong Gondola Taipei: Breathtaking Views, Tickets & Tea Spots | laimi.com

✨ Quick Overview of Maokong Gondola

High above the southern hills of Taipei, the Maokong Gondola glides silently over emerald forests and endless stretches of tea fields 🍃. The gentle hum of the cables and the scent of fresh leaves accompany you as you soar toward Maokong Village. Opened in 2007, this 4.03 km gondola system connects Taipei Zoo to the Maokong mountain area and was the city’s very first urban cable car. Its unique 90° angle stations make the ride even more thrilling! As the skyline fades into mountain mist, you’ll find yourself surrounded by tea plantations, temples, and tranquil trails. Whether you’re here for a peaceful afternoon or a full-day exploration, this guide shows you how to get there, when to visit, what to eat, buy, and see.
👉 Get your Maokong ticket here for a seamless trip.

💡 Pro Tip: Sit on the side facing the Taipei Zoo at departure for the best panoramic city views as you ascend.

📅 Best Time to Visit Maokong Gondola

Maokong is a year-round destination, each season painting the hills in a new light. From cherry blossoms to cozy tea sessions, there’s always something special waiting.

🌼Spring Blossoms & Tea Picking Spring brings magic as cherry blossoms bloom 🌸. This is also the tea-picking season, when locals harvest fresh leaves. Many tea houses host spring tastings and limited-edition desserts that is a must for tea lovers.

☀️Summer Delights & Tea Festivals In summer, Maokong buzzes with tea festivals and workshops celebrating its heritage. Cool off with refreshing iced teas while enjoying the mountain breeze.

🍁 Autumn & Winter Cozy Moments Autumn’s golden tones invite long hikes, while winter means fireplace tea sessions wrapped in misty serenity.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid August–September typhoons and long holidays.

🚇 How to Get to Maokong Gondola

From central Taipei, take the Wenshan (Brown) MRT Line to Taipei Zoo Station, then walk about 350 m to the terminal. Board the gondola for an unforgettable ascent over forest and tea terraces.

The 4.03 km route includes four passenger stations — Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, Maokong — plus two angle stations. The ride lasts 17–37 minutes, depending on weather. Standard cabins hold 8 people, while the “Eyes of Maokong” crystal cabins have a glass floor for breathtaking views 🌄.

📍You can take the detail on Google map before you go!

⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times to Arrive

Closed Mondays for maintenance (unless a public holiday). Hours may change for weather or events.

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive just after opening for zero lines, or at sunset for golden-hour photos 🌇.

🎢 Top Things to Do Inside Maokong Gondola & Around It

🍵 Tea Promotion Center
This free-entry center explains Tie Guanyin & Baozhong production through displays and short tastings. Spend 15–30 minutes learning local traditions before your ride.

🥾 Go for a Hike Explore tranquil trails like Yinhe Cave & Waterfall, Camphor Trail, or the scenic Maokong Loop. Paths link tea farms and temples, offering both shade and serenity.

🌸 Visit Apricot Grove
Between January and February, Apricot Grove Farm blooms with 2,000 trees in pink and white. After photos, stop at a teahouse for local snacks.

🍽️ Grab Lunch at a Teahouse
Refuel at mountain teahouses like Yao Yue, Yingyue, or Uncle Well. Enjoy Rechao stir-fries, dim sum, and fragrant Tie Guanyin tea while overlooking valleys.

🛕 Visit Zhinan Temple
Ride one stop down to Zhinan Temple, a Daoist sanctuary from 1890 dedicated to Lu Dongbin. Cherry blossoms and golden roofs make it perfect for photos.

💡 Pro Tip: Climb to the upper terrace for 360° views of Taipei Basin — best near sunset.

🍽️ Food & Drink Options at Maokong Gondola

At the summit, Maokong’s cafés serve high-mountain teas, tea noodles, and desserts with panoramic views 🍵.

Yaoyue Teahouse open all day which is ideal for stargazing nights. Try tea-flavored rice or matcha ice cream while watching the city lights below. Prices are moderate but crowds peak on weekends.

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before noon or after 2 p.m. to skip lines. Ask staff for seasonal teas, they often serve limited batches of fresh spring harvests.

🛍️ Souvenirs and Local Products

Before leaving, explore shops filled with tea gifts & crafts 🛍️. Maokong is famous for quality oolong and baozhong teas sold by local growers.

🍃 Where to Buy Tea Leaves
Visit family-run tea shops for premium loose leaves. Many offer tastings so you can sample before buying.

🫖 Unique Souvenirs & Crafts
Hand-thrown teapots, bamboo trays, and ceramic cups make perfect keepsakes while supporting local artisans.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit after 4 p.m. for a more relaxed shopping experience and better bargains.

🎟️ Ticket Tips & Visitor Info

There’s a small fare to ride the Maokong Gondola, depending on the type of ticket you choose.
🎫 Maokong Gondola One-Day Pass: around NT$260 per adult (unlimited rides for the day)
🎫 Tea Promotion Center: Free entry (🕘 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Mondays)

You can buy tickets directly at the gondola station or check laimi.com for the latest prices, combo options, and special packages that include tea tours or cultural activities nearby.

👨👩👧 Who Is It Best For?

Maokong Gondola fits for everyone. Especially, families enjoy the easy ride, couples find romance over tea, and solo travelers can soak in peaceful views. Stations are stroller-friendly with English signage. Those uneasy with heights can opt for standard cabins instead of glass ones.

💡 Pro Tip: Go on a weekday afternoon as you’ll have an entire cabin to yourself for photos and quiet reflection.

🎒 What to Bring & Know Before You Go

Before hopping on the Maokong Gondola, it’s best to come prepared so you can make the most of your day. The gondola ride offers spectacular views, but it’s also open to the weather — meaning it can get chilly or windy, especially during winter or after sunset. Bring a light jacket or umbrella if the forecast calls for rain, as the service may pause during strong winds or thunderstorms. Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking around tea plantations and scenic spots at the top.

Don’t forget to bring cash to purchases tea at local tea houses or souvenir shops. While there are ATMs near Taipei Zoo Station, they’re limited on the mountain.

💡 Pro Tip: Pack a reusable water bottle and some light snacks cause it’s both eco-friendly and handy when enjoying a slow, scenic afternoon above Taipei’s tea hills.

🏁 Conclusion

Riding the Maokong Gondola is not only more than transport, it’s also a slow journey through Taipei’s green heart 🌿. From tea fields to temples, every stop offers peace and perspective. Crowds may build on weekends, but plan ahead and you’ll glide above them — literally. End your day with a warm cup of Tie Guanyin as the sun sets over the city.
Check out online ticket for easy access or book to start your tea-tinted adventure via https://laimi.com