Maokong Gondola Taipei
Soar above Taipei's lush hills on the Maokong Gondola, then unwind with exquisite oolong tea amidst stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Maokong Gondola Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above Taipei's lush hills on the Maokong Gondola, then unwind with exquisite oolong tea amidst stunning panoramic views.
"Floating above the entire island of beautiful tropical greenery, the rain made it even more serene."
🎯 Beat the Crystal Cabin Queue
Take a regular cabin up and the crystal cabin down for shorter waits.
💰 Klook Discount Code
Use codes like ALYANAKLOOK for potential savings on tickets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Gondola ride
Soar above lush greenery and Taipei's skyline. The views are breathtaking, especially on a clear day.
Tea House Experience
Maokong Village
Savor local oolong teas in charming tea houses with stunning mountain and city vistas.
Crystal Cabin Adventure
Gondola
Experience the thrill of a glass-bottomed gondola, offering a unique perspective of the landscape below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Maokong Gondola
Crystal Cabins vs. Regular
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Crystal Cabin Queue
Take a regular cabin up and the crystal cabin down for shorter waits.
💰 Klook Discount Code
Use codes like ALYANAKLOOK for potential savings on tickets.
🚶♀️ Walk Down the Mountain
For the adventurous, hike down for scenic trails and a different perspective.
☕ Tea with a View
Enjoy local oolong teas and snacks at a tea house for a quintessential Maokong experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Crystal Cabin Queue
Take a regular cabin up and the crystal cabin down for shorter waits.
💰 Klook Discount Code
Use codes like ALYANAKLOOK for potential savings on tickets.
🚶♀️ Walk Down the Mountain
For the adventurous, hike down for scenic trails and a different perspective.
☕ Tea with a View
Enjoy local oolong teas and snacks at a tea house for a quintessential Maokong experience.
📅 Check Operating Days
Closed on Mondays (except holidays). Check the official website for real-time status.
🤢 Motion Sickness Tips
The bus ride can be worse than the gondola. Sit near the front of the gondola if sensitive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views from the Maokong Gondola and the serene tea house experiences. The unique crystal cabins add an element of thrill. However, some find the tea experience itself to be standard, and queues can be long during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station. The Maokong Gondola station is conveniently located right next to it.
Yes, you can use your EasyCard for fare payment, and it may offer a discount compared to single tickets.
Yes, there are buses that go up to Maokong, which can be an alternative if the gondola is closed or if you prefer bus travel.
It's feasible, but can be rushed. Consider starting at Maokong in the morning, taking the gondola down, then visiting the zoo.
While there are walking trails, most visitors find a tea house and relax. Dedicated tourist shuttles are limited beyond existing bus routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary based on distance, but a one-way trip is around 180 TWD. Crystal cabins may have a slightly different pricing or longer wait.
Yes, there are regular cabins and 'crystal cabins' with glass floors. Crystal cabins offer a unique view but often have longer queues.
The gondola is typically open from morning to evening, but it is closed on Mondays (except for holidays and the first Monday of the month). Always check the official website for current hours.
You can purchase tickets on-site. Some online platforms like Klook offer discounted tickets and packages.
Yes, using an EasyCard can provide a discount on your fare compared to purchasing single tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Maokong is famous for its tea plantations and tea houses. You can also explore hiking trails and enjoy scenic views of Taipei.
Maokong is known for its oolong teas, particularly Baozhong (lighter oolong) and Tieguanyin (roasted oolong).
Yes, numerous tea houses and restaurants offer local Taiwanese cuisine and, of course, a wide selection of teas.
Yes, families can enjoy the scenic gondola ride, the Taipei Zoo nearby, and the unique tea experience.
You'll get panoramic views of Taipei city and the surrounding lush green mountains. The views are particularly stunning on clear days.
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities of the city and landscape. Tea houses with scenic balconies are also great spots.
The crystal cabin provides a unique perspective for photos looking straight down, but be prepared for potential queues.
Late afternoon for golden hour and sunset views over Taipei, or early morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
Look for the charming tea houses, the winding trails, and the expansive tea plantations. Cat statues are also a fun detail.
Use a wider aperture for low light and consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the glass. A steady hand or tripod is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing the gondola ride with a visit to the Taipei Zoo, located right at the base station, makes for a full day of family fun.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Consider hiking down from Maokong instead of taking the gondola back, which is free and offers a different perspective of the landscape.
🍵 Tea Enthusiasts
Seek out traditional tea houses that offer guided tastings and insights into the tea-making process. Don't be afraid to explore beyond the main cluster of tea houses near the station. Wandering through the tea plantations or taking a short hike can lead you to more secluded and authentic tea experiences.
Remember that the 'tea experience' is primarily about enjoying the tea with a view, so manage expectations if you're looking for a highly curated tea ceremony. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maokong Gondola Experience
Travelers often recommend taking the regular cabin up and the crystal cabin down to minimize wait times, as the crystal cabins tend to have longer queues from the bottom station.
Beyond the ride, Maokong is renowned for its tea culture. The mountain is dotted with numerous tea houses, ranging from traditional establishments to modern cafes, where visitors can sample various local oolong teas, such as Baozhong and Tieguanyin, while enjoying the serene atmosphere and stunning vistas.
+1Exploring Maokong Village and Tea Culture
+1 Many tea houses provide tasting sessions and explanations of the tea-making process, making it an educational and relaxing experience. While the tea houses are the main attraction, Maokong also offers several hiking trails for those who enjoy a bit of nature exploration. These trails wind through the tea fields and offer different perspectives of the landscape.
Some popular spots include the 'Zhangshan Temple Trail' and the 'Maokong Trail'. For those who prefer not to walk extensively, there are also local buses that connect different points within the Maokong area. Food options in Maokong are centered around tea-friendly snacks and light meals. Many tea houses serve dishes that pair well with tea, such as local pastries, savory snacks, and even full meals.
Some unique finds include 'cat ice cream' and creative tea-infused beverages. It's a perfect destination for a leisurely day trip, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life of Taipei. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit