Maokong Gondola

If you like tea, hiking and spectacular views, then Mount Maokong is the place for you.

Situated in the southeast of Taipei City, Maokong is home to plantations and tea houses that provide visitors with a variety of the hot beverage. 

The mountain is easily accessible by the gondola. Just take the MRT to Taipei Zoo station and from there you can reach the gondola after a 10-minute walk. 

You can use your metro card to take the gondola as well, so make sure you have it with you. Otherwise you would need to buy a ticket and believe me, you wouldn’t want that. The ticketing desk is always overcrowded with tourist groups coming from China. 

As with everything else, Hello Kitty was all over the place at Maokong Gondola.

Once you enter the gondola compound, head to the top floor. If you are not terribly afraid of heights, I advise you to follow the signs that read “Crystal Cabin” rather than regular cabin. Crystal Cabin cars have glass floorings that allow you to see the ground below as the gondola ascends to dizzying heights. It’s a bit scary, but the experience is totally worth the adrenaline. 

Keep in mind that there are fewer Crystal Cabins that regular cabins. So, you will have to wait a little while longer. 

The thrill of riding in glass-floored cabins is worth the wait.

I felt like I was on a slow-motion roller-coaster ride for the entire trip as the car ascended and turned between stations on its way to the mountain. The entire Taipei skyline rose from behind the hills as the car gained altitude, causing breathtaking views. It’s a great opportunity to snap some pictures too. 

There are a total of four stations on the line and taking the gondola all the way to Mount Maokong (last stop) costs 50 NT. 

Once you arrive at Maokong, you can head left or right on the road around the mountain and sample the street food as well as enjoy some relaxing tea at one of the many teahouses that dot the scenery. 

Avoid weekends and mid-day heat

Locals prefer to visit Maokong on the weekends as a get away from the city and to escape the heat in the summer. So, go to Maokong during the week, if you can. But don’t worry if you are unable to do so because Taiwanese people are extremely kind and you might make some new friends during your cable car trip.

Also note that there is no air-conditioning in the cable cars so it can get extremely hot and humid under the midday sun. Try to arrange your trip early in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

Overall, a trip to Maokong is both an exciting and a relaxing experience that every visitor to Taipei should try out.

Hours of operation

The gondola operates between 9 a.m to 9 p.m Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Check the weather report before you head out as they halt the gondola if the winds are particularly strong.