Maokong: Gondola, Tea Houses, and Hikes
The only cable car in Taipei City and a must-visit attraction in Taiwan! Nestled at the southeastern edge of the city, just minutes away from National Chengchi University, this delightful ride transports you from Taipei Zoo to the picturesque hilltop oolong tea plantations.
Maokong offers a serene escape from the bustling Taipei city life, with its charming teahouses and extensive network of scenic hiking trails, including one leading to a hidden temple in the lush jungle. From here, you'll also get some of the most breathtaking views of Taipei 101 and the cityscape below.
Curious about the name Maokong? It translates to "cat holes," possibly inspired by the presence of civets in the area in the past. You'll notice adorable cat statues and cat-shaped cookies scattered around Maokong, adding to its whimsical charm.
Indulge in the local tea culture with varieties like baozhong tea, known for its light and fragrant notes, and tieguanyin tea, offering a rich roasted flavor. Whether you're exploring the traditional teahouses, enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants, or embarking on a scenic hike, Maokong promises a delightful experience with panoramic views of Taipei and its iconic landmarks.
Most people ride directly to Maokong, which has dozens of traditional teahouses (茶館 or cha guan), restaurants, and hiking trails. You’ll enjoy some amazing views of Taipei while riding the gondola. Once you arrive at Maokong, the city views are partially obstructed, with only the tip of Taipei 101 visible, and only from certain spots.
Information
Directions
The most convenient way to reach Maokong Gondola is by taking the Taipei MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo station, which is the last stop on the line. The riding time from Da’an Station (Red Line) is 19 minutes or from Zhongxiao Fuxing (Blue Line) is 21 minutes.
Upon reaching Taipei Zoo station, head right to reach the entrance of Taipei Zoo. For Maokong Gondola, turn left and walk for about five minutes.
Although there are no convenience stores along the way, you might find a few vendors selling souvenirs or snacks/drinks at times. Once you arrive at the spacious gondola station, you'll find ticket machines for purchasing Maokong Gondola tickets or passes. These machines can also be used to add credit to your EasyCard if necessary.
Opening Hours
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Maokong Gondola operates from 9 AM to 9 PM (or till 10 PM on national holidays).
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The gondola is closed every Monday. Note that the zoo is still open on Mondays.
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The gondola also closes anytime the weather gets too windy or rainy
Stops
The Maokong Gondola line has 4 stations: Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong.
