Maokong Gondola Taipei
Ride the Maokong Gondola for stunning Taipei views, explore serene tea plantations, and savor local oolong tea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Maokong Gondola Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the Maokong Gondola for stunning Taipei views, explore serene tea plantations, and savor local oolong tea.
"Soar above the city for breathtaking views and tranquil tea experiences in Maokong."
🎯 Glass Floor Cabin Tip
Ride the Crystal Cabin for amazing views, but it might trigger motion sickness.
⏰ Check Closing Time
The gondola closes at 9 PM, so plan your descent by 8:30 PM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Cityscape Views
Gondola ride
Soar above Taipei's lush hills for breathtaking city vistas, especially stunning during sunset.
Tranquil Tea Plantations
Maokong Mountain
Explore serene tea fields, visit traditional tea houses, and savor local oolong teas.
Crystal Cabin Experience
Maokong Gondola
Ride in a glass-bottomed cabin for a thrilling perspective of the landscape below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views & Crowds
Crystal Cabins & Motion Sickness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Glass Floor Cabin Tip
Ride the Crystal Cabin for amazing views, but it might trigger motion sickness.
⏰ Check Closing Time
The gondola closes at 9 PM, so plan your descent by 8:30 PM.
💰 Affordable Ride
Roundtrip tickets are very affordable, around $5 USD.
🚶♀️ Explore Zhinan Temple
Stop at Zhinan Temple station for a break and explore the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Glass Floor Cabin Tip
Ride the Crystal Cabin for amazing views, but it might trigger motion sickness.
⏰ Check Closing Time
The gondola closes at 9 PM, so plan your descent by 8:30 PM.
💰 Affordable Ride
Roundtrip tickets are very affordable, around $5 USD.
🚶♀️ Explore Zhinan Temple
Stop at Zhinan Temple station for a break and explore the area.
☕ Savor Local Tea
Maokong is famous for its oolong tea. Enjoy a tasting at a local tea house.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from the Maokong Gondola, especially during sunset, and the tranquil tea plantation atmosphere. The affordability of the gondola ride and the unique experience of the Crystal Cabin are frequently highlighted positives. Some travelers mention potential motion sickness on the gondola and advise checking closing times.
"Visited during the third week of June and the weather was perfect. The landscape was beautiful everywhere you looked. Lots of spots to grab food and take photos."
LJ Kalinisan
"Must go place in Taipei.
Take the subway to Taipei Zoo station. Under $1 USD. Walk 5 minutes to the sky tram, they called it a gondola. If you’re not in hurry, ask to ride in the tram with the glass floor. The fee is the same as the non glass floor car. The fee is 120 nt (under $5 usd).
The subway and tram station has free clean restrooms.
The tram closes at 9pm, so start going back at 8:30pm."
Luke
"Beautiful cable car station both the station and its surroundings. It begins and ends at the top of the mountain of tea tree. The air is very fresh. It is best to arrive in the morning or midday then return in the evening. To take time to fully absorb the atmosphere should plan the one day trip with this station and other station except zoo station."
Ben Panuts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station (Brown Line). From there, it's a short 5-minute walk to the Maokong Gondola station. 
Yes, after taking the gondola to the last station, you can take bus BR15 to reach certain teahouses like Uncle Well Tea.
While driving is an option, taking the gondola is part of the experience. Private car rides are also available to reach Maokong.
The most common and recommended way is via the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station, followed by a short walk. This is convenient and cost-effective.
Yes, it's very straightforward. Follow the signs from Taipei Zoo MRT station, and it's only a few minutes' walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A roundtrip ticket is very affordable, typically around 120 NTD (under $5 USD). The price is the same whether you choose the regular cabin or the glass-bottomed Crystal Cabin.
Some visitors mention getting discounts after visiting Taipei Zoo. Using travel platforms like Klook might also offer deals or discount codes.
The gondola typically operates until 9 PM. It's advisable to start your return journey by 8:30 PM to avoid missing the last ride.
Generally, advance booking isn't necessary for the gondola itself, as tickets can be purchased at the station. However, for popular teahouses like Yaoyue Teahouse, reservations might be recommended.
Yes, both the subway and tram stations offer free, clean restrooms, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Maokong is known for its tea culture. You can visit numerous tea houses, explore tea plantations, enjoy scenic hikes like the Taipei Grand Trail Section 7, and admire the city views.
Yaoyue Teahouse is a popular choice, known for its 24-hour operation and stunning night views.
Yes, Maokong offers a family-friendly adventure with scenic gondola rides and opportunities to learn about tea. Some tea houses even offer cute cat-themed ice cream.
Absolutely! The Taipei Grand Trail Section 7 offers hiking opportunities, connecting the gondola stations and passing through tea plantations and natural landscapes.
Maokong is particularly famous for its oolong teas, including baozhong (lighter oolong) and tieguanyin (roasted oolong).
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities of the city and surrounding nature. Many tea houses, like Yaoyue Teahouse, provide stunning backdrops with cityscape views, especially at sunset and night.
Yes, the glass-bottomed Crystal Cabin provides a unique perspective for photos looking straight down. However, be mindful of potential motion sickness.
Sunset offers a magical golden hour for capturing the city skyline. Nighttime also provides beautiful illuminated city views.
Focus on capturing the lush green tea plantations, the panoramic city views from the gondola and teahouses, and the unique architecture of the tea houses themselves.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant city details. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots during sunset or at night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Crystal Cabin for an extra thrill, but be mindful of younger children who might be sensitive to heights or motion. Exploring the tea plantations and enjoying the fresh air provides a great outdoor experience. The proximity to Taipei Zoo also makes it easy to combine both attractions into a full day of family fun. +1💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and water to save on costs. Utilizing the MRT system to reach the gondola station is also very economical. couples
+1 Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sipping oolong tea together in a serene tea house, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Consider visiting Yaoyue Teahouse for its unique 24-hour operation and breathtaking night views, perfect for a memorable evening date. The tranquil environment provides a perfect setting for conversation and relaxation.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maokong Gondola Experience
+1 For an extra thrill and unique photographic opportunities, opt for the Crystal Cabin, which features a glass floor, allowing you to gaze directly down at the landscape below. Travelers often recommend taking the gondola in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the city, transforming the view into a magical spectacle.
+1 The gondola operates until 9 PM, so planning your descent by 8:30 PM is crucial. Savoring Tea Culture in Maokong
The area is dotted with numerous tea houses, ranging from traditional establishments to modern cafes, offering visitors a chance to relax, sample local brews, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Many tea houses provide stunning views of the city, making them perfect spots for an afternoon tea or even a sunset viewing. Popular choices include Yaoyue Teahouse, which boasts 24-hour operation and spectacular night views,
and Uncle Well Tea, a unique three-story teahouse that requires reservations. Visitors can learn about the tea-making process, enjoy tea ceremonies, and pair their drinks with local snacks or light meals. The experience is a peaceful escape from the urban bustle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local traditions and natural beauty. Exploring Maokong's Trails and Temples
Zhinan Temple itself is a notable stop, providing a cultural and spiritual respite during your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit