Maokong in Half a Day: Tea, Nature & Gondola

Looking for a relaxing getaway near Taipei on a sunny day?

🌟 Top 4 Highlights: What to Do in Maokong?

Maokong is known for its “Mountains, Tea, Gondola, and Clouds” — a breathtaking blend of sights and scents.

☁️ Misty Mountain Views

In the afternoon, Maokong is often shrouded in mist, creating a dreamy, hidden-mountain vibe perfect for leisurely strolls.

🍃 Aroma of High-Mountain Tea

Maokong is famous for Wenshan Pouchong Tea (文山包種茶, wén shān bāo zhǒng chá), and during harvest seasons, the scent of tea fills the air. Don't miss trying Muzha Tieguanyin (鐵觀音, tiě guān yīn), a heavier-fermented variety of Pouchong tea.

🚠 Maokong Gondola Ride

Stretching about 4km, the Maokong Gondola is Taipei’s first gondola system. It starts at Taipei Zoo Station, stops at Zhinan Temple, and ends at Maokong Station. Along the ride, you’ll get panoramic views of the city and forest.

Best timing to ride:

• After rain: ethereal fog like a fairytale
• Sunset: golden light on the mountains
• Night: sparkling city lights

Want something extra? Opt for the Crystal Cabin with 360° transparent views of the mountains below!

🌌 Stunning Night Views

At night, you can spot Taipei 101 and a glittering city skyline from the peaceful mountaintop—an ideal spot for romantic dates.

🐾 What's in a Name? The Origin of "Maokong"

Despite the name “Maokong”(貓空) sounding like "cat" in Mandarin, it has nothing to do with felines. The name comes from Taiwanese. In the past, locals described the rocky, pothole-filled streambeds of the area as “Niâu-khang." "Niâu" means uneven, while "khang" (坑, kēng) means hole.

Over time, this transformed phonetically into “Maokong.”

🚆 How to Get to Maokong (via Public Transportation)

MRT + Gondola:

• Take the Wenhu Line to Taipei Zoo Station (動物園站,dòng wù yuán zhān)
• Exit from Exit 2 and walk to the Maokong Gondola entrance

🛤️ Route: Taipei Zoo → Taipei Zoo South → Zhinan Temple → Maokong

It's around 4 km in total.

💡 Crystal cabins cost NT$50 more. One-way ride takes 20–30 minutes, but be prepared for longer wait times during weekends. Bring a fan for summer heat!

You can also use an EasyCard to board.

Reference: from MRT

*If you want to buy the ticket online first:

• • Klook for Gondola One-Day Pass link
  • Klook for Taipei Fun Pass link

Bus Alternative (when gondola is suspended)

In case of maintenance or weather closures, you can still reach Maokong by bus, though it’s a bumpier ride.

Try: Brown 15 (棕15, zōng 15), S10, S10 Shuttle, Maokong Left Line (貓空左線, Māo Kōng Zuǒ Xiàn) etc.

Use Google Maps or Taipei Bus apps to track real-time routes.

📍 Nearby Attractions

• Taipei Zoo (台北動物園 – Tái Běi Dòng Wù Yuán): Family-friendly! Open 9:00–17:00 (check official site for exhibit closures)
• • Get the ticket on Klook in advance
• Zhinan Temple (指南宮 – Zhǐ Nán Gōng): A Taoist temple offering stunning views and hiking trails
• Zhangshu Trail (樟樹步道 – Zhāng Shù Bù Dào): Easy walk, great for seeing Lupin flowers (魯冰花, in Mar–Apr). Feels like a cozy park-meets-farm setup.
• Tea Culture: Try tea-picking experiences or simply enjoy a relaxing tea session at a scenic restaurant
• Yinhe Cave Waterfall (銀河洞 – Yín Hé Dòng): A secret waterfall shrine in Xindian (新店) with a stunning natural setting

Map

*Bouchure download through the QR code on the Map (ENG)

🍽️ Where to Eat in Maokong – Tea-Infused Dishes & Scenic Restaurants

Try dishes made with tea oil, tea leaves, and mountain vegetables like: Tea oil noodles, Tea fried rice, Guanyin tea chicken soup

Check the map on the wall at Taipei Zoo Station

🍽️ For 2–3 People (Light Meals, Snacks, or Tea)👯‍♀️ For 2–3 People (Light Meals / Snacks / Tea)

• Lan-Jie Grass Rice Cake (蘭姐草仔粿, Lán Jiě Cǎo Zǎi Guǒ)
  A popular stop for hikers to grab a quick local snack after trekking.
• Maokong Log Cabin (貓空小木屋, Māo Kōng Xiǎo Mù Wū)
• Chayen Teahouse (茶言觀舍, Chá Yán Guān Shè)
• Mountain Tofu Dessert (山上豆花, Shān Shàng Dòu Huā)
  located on the way to Zhangshu Trail. Often packed with visitors. Try the ginger syrup tofu pudding in winter. Nearby, there are small local stalls to explore.
• Maokong Teahouse (Tea Soft-Serve!) (貓空茶屋, Māo Kōng Chá Wū)
  The first shop in Maokong to sell tea-flavored soft-serve ice cream – a must-try! Limited seating available inside.
• Lazyday Café (小日子 lazyday, Xiǎo Rì Zi Lazyday)
• Maokong Tea God (貓空茶神, Māo Kōng Chá Shén)
• Snow Ice Climber (雪敲 Ice Climber, Xuě Qiāo Ice Climber)
  Personal favorite spots with beautiful views and generous seating. No reservation service. Can get loud when crowded with tourists.
• Maokong Zen Café (貓空閒咖啡, Māo Kōng Xián Kā Fēi)
• Another Place Night Café (生活在他方 夜貓店, Shēng Huó Zài Tā Fāng Yè Māo Diàn)
• Jinpen Tea Garden (金盆茶園, Jīn Pén Chá Yuán)

Mountain Tofu Dessert (山上豆花, Shān Shàng Dòu Huā)

🍽️For 4–5 People (Shared Dishes or Group Dining)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For 4–5 People (Shared Dishes / Group Dining)

• Wenxing Tea Garden (文星茶園, Wén Xīng Chá Yuán)
  Spacious seating and a menu featuring tea-based cuisine.
• Nai-Miao Tea House (迺妙茶盧, Nǎi Miào Chá Lú)
  A hidden gem teahouse for a more traditional tea experience.
• Morning Light Tea House (晨曦茶坊, Chén Xī Chá Fāng)
  Great for early risers who want to enjoy mountain scenery with breakfast.
• Six Seasons Teahouse (六季香茶坊, Liù Jì Xiāng Chá Fāng)
  A cozy place with seasonal mountain vegetable dishes.
• Spring Tea Village (春茶鄉, Chūn Chá Xiāng)
  A classic tea village restaurant with authentic Maokong vibes.
• Dragon Gate Inn (貓空龍門客棧, Māo Kōng Lóng Mén Kè Zhàn)
  Frequently recommended by locals for its hearty dishes.
• Guan Ding Tea Garden (觀鼎茶園, Guān Dǐng Chá Yuán)
  Perfect for tea appreciation and long conversations.
• Big Head Free-Range Chicken (大頭土雞城, Dà Tóu Tǔ Jī Chéng)
  Specializes in mountain-style chicken dishes for groups.
• Maolan MAOLAM (貓懶 MAOLAM, Māo Lǎn MAOLAM)
  A recommended group spot for tea meals and friendly service.
• Four Lords (四爺, Sì Yé)
  A popular place with rustic charm and satisfying meals.
• Maokong Shangyang Teahouse (貓空上暘茶莊, Māo Kōng Shàng Yáng Chá Zhuāng)
  Great for traditional hotpot and group dishes.
• Chuansheng Teahouse (傳生茶莊, Chuán Shēng Chá Zhuāng)
  Offers a good mix of tea meals and tranquil vibes.
• Mei-Jia Tea Garden (美加茶園, Měi Jiā Chá Yuán)
  A scenic tea garden with homemade-style cooking.
• Hongzhi Tea Farm (鴻智茶場, Hóng Zhì Chá Chǎng)
  Spacious and simple, good for relaxed gatherings.
• Lytea by Guangyu Salt (光羽塩 Lytea, Guāng Yǔ Yán Lytea)
  A stylish tea spot often mentioned in local recommendations.
• Tantan Garden (談天園, Tán Tiān Yuán)
  A calm, semi-open space great for quiet group chats.
• Maogong Mountain Tea (貓宮山中茶, Māo Gōng Shān Zhōng Chá)
  A hidden-away teahouse with a mountain view.
• Red Wood House (紅木屋, Hóng Mù Wū)
  A nostalgic wooden house for tea and set meals.
• Four Brothers Restaurant (四哥的店, Sì Gē De Diàn)
  Another local favorite with generous portions and strong flavors.
• Clear Spring Plaza (清泉廣場, Qīng Quán Guǎng Chǎng)
  A good open space to take a break after a walk.
• Clear Spring Villa (清泉山莊, Qīng Quán Shān Zhuāng)
  Offers mountain views and private dining rooms.
• Zhengda Leisure Tea Garden (正大休閒茶園, Zhèng Dà Xiū Xián Chá Yuán)
  A large tea garden popular for weekend family outings.
• Twin Oak Teahouse (雙橡園茶坊, Shuāng Xiàng Yuán Chá Fāng)
  Quiet, surrounded by nature – great for extended meals.
• Ah Yi’s Big Teapot Restaurant (阿義師的大茶壺茶餐廳, Ā Yì Shī De Dà Chá Hú Chá Cān Tīng)
  A quirky place known for its teapot-themed décor.
• Meet-Up Teahouse (相逢居茶坊, Xiāng Féng Jū Chá Fāng)
  A warm, welcoming spot perfect for friend reunions.
• Moon-Inviting Teahouse (邀月茶坊, Yāo Yuè Chá Fāng)
  Large venue suitable for company retreats or BBQ parties.
• Han House Teahouse (寒舍茶坊, Hán Shè Chá Fāng)
  A tranquil teahouse nestled in the mountain air.
• Longya Teahouse (龍芽茶坊, Lóng Yá Chá Fāng)
  Specializes in Guanyin tea and hearty Taiwanese dishes.
• Uncle Well Tea / Wei Ge Teahouse (威哥茶莊, Wēi Gē Chá Zhuāng)
  Personally recommended! Offers both desserts and full meals. Easily accessible via Maokong Left Line or Brown 15 bus (Yuanshan-1 Station/圓山一 , Yuán Shān Yī)

以下是根據你提供的中英文內容，完整整理的 「Maokong Through the Seasons」四季導覽，含 英文名稱、中文名稱與拼音，格式清楚，可直接使用於旅遊部落格或觀光介紹中：

🌸 Maokong Through the Seasons

Experience blooming flowers, local harvests, and seasonal tea events all year round in Maokong.

🌱 Spring 春季 (Chūn Jì)

🌼 Flowers

• Lupin 魯冰花 (Lǔ Bīng Huā) – Mar–Apr (3～4月)
• Tung blossom 油桐花 (Yóu Tóng Huā) – Apr–May (4～5月)
• • Best viewed at Zhanghu-Zhangshu Circular Trail 樟湖樟樹環狀步道 (Zhāng Hú Zhāng Shù Huán Zhuàng Bù Dào)

🎎 Events

• Lupin Flower Festival 樟樹步道魯冰花海季 (Zhāng Shù Bù Dào Lǔ Bīng Huā Hǎi Jì)
• Taipei Maokong Tea Gathering 臺北貓空茶會（千人茶會）(Tái Běi Māo Kōng Chá Huì – Qiān Rén Chá Huì)
• Blessing Tea Ceremony for Mother’s Day 母親節孝道感恩封茶 (Mǔ Qīn Jié Xiào Dào Gǎn Ēn Fēng Chá) Includes DIY activities like tea-scented turnip cake 茶香蘿蔔糕製作 (Chá Xiāng Luó Bo Gāo Zhì Zuò)
• Countryside Blessing Parade 柚公巡田園祈福活動 (Yòu Gōng Xún Tián Yuán Qí Fú Huó Dòng)
• Firefly Season 螢火蟲季 (Yíng Huǒ Chóng Jì) – Apr–May (4～5月)

☀️ Summer

🌼 Flowers

• Cosmos 波斯菊 (Bō Sī Jú) – May–Jun (5～6月)

🫖 Tea & Harvest 茶與農事活動

• Spring Tea Season 春茶季 (Chūn Chá Jì) – May–Jun Visit teahouses to seal your own tea & taste the season’s harvest 體驗封茶、選購當季茶 (Tǐ Yàn Fēng Chá, Xuǎn Gòu Dāng Jì Chá)
• Bamboo Shoot Harvest Season 綠竹筍季 (Lǜ Zhú Sǔn Jì) – Jun–Sep (6～9月) Try bamboo shoot picking! 採筍體驗 (Cǎi Sǔn Tǐ Yàn)

🎎 Events 活動 (Huó Dòng)

• Blessing Tea Ceremony for Father’s Day 父親節孝道感恩封茶 (Fù Qīn Jié Xiào Dào Gǎn Ēn Fēng Chá)
• Star-Gazing at Zhinan Temple 指南宮夜觀星天文解說 (Zhǐ Nán Gōng Yè Guān Xīng Tiān Wén Jiě Shuō)

🍁 Autumn

🌼 Flowers

• Zinnias 百日草 (Bǎi Rì Cǎo) – Sep–Oct (9～10月)
• Sunflowers 向日葵 (Xiàng Rì Kuí) – Sep–Oct

🎎 Events 活動 (Huó Dòng)

• Maokong Eco-Hike 貓空淨山大縱走 (Māo Kōng Jìng Shān Dà Zòng Zǒu)
• Top Tea King Award Festival 貓空特等茶王賞茶祭 (Māo Kōng Tè Děng Chá Wáng Shǎng Chá Jì)

❄️ Winter

🌼 Flowers

• Winter Tea Season 冬茶季 (Dōng Chá Jì) – Dec–Jan (12～1月) Visit teahouses for tea sealing & tasting seasonal harvests
• Apricot Blossoms 杏花 (Xìng Huā) – Jan–Feb (1～2月) Found in hidden corners of the mountain trails

🎎 Events

• Maokong Blessing Tea Festival 貓空祈福豐茶祭 (Māo Kōng Qí Fú Fēng Chá Jì)

📝 Maokong Lazy-Day Itineraries (Public Transport Friendly)

✅ Plan A: Sweet Escape – Dessert & Tea Slow Travel

Getting there:

• From MRT City Hall Station Exit 3, take Brown 7 or 915 to Wanshou Bridge (Muzha) (萬壽橋頭(木柵), Wànshòu Qiáotóu (Mùzhà))
• Transfer to Brown 15 or Maokong Left Line to Maokong Gondola Station

Stops:

1. Tea Ice Cream @ Maokong Teahouse
2. Hike Zhangshu Trail
3. Relax at Ice Climber Café with mille crepe cakes & tea

Return: Gondola + Bus back to City Hall

✅ Plan B: Zen Afternoon – Tea Tasting & Scenic Wandering

Same route as Plan A, but include:

Stop 3: Uncle Well Tea / Wei Ge Teahouse (Reservation Recommended!)

• Take Brown 15 or Maokong Left Line to Yuanshan-1 (圓山一 , Yuán Shān Yī))

Note: Maokong buses are one-way (same direction), so if you go to Uncle Well Tea before Maokong Station, you’ll need to walk uphill back, which is not recommended in the dark.

✅ Plan C: Galaxy Trail to Maokong (I haven't tried)

Getting there:

• From MRT City Hall Station Exit 3, take Keelung Main Line(基隆幹線, Jīlóng Gànxiàn) or 647 to Zhongsheng Bridge (中生橋頭, Zhōngshēng Qiáotóu)
• Walk uphill (~10 min), turn onto Galaxy Road (~20 min) to the Yinhe Trailhead (銀河洞越嶺步道 (Yín Hé Dòng Yuè Lǐng Bù Dào))

Stops:

1. Yinhe Cave (銀河洞, Yín Hé Dòng, 30-min hike)
2. Continue ~2km to Maokong Gondola Station
3. Optional: Tea tasting at Uncle Well Tea

Return: Bus back from Yuanshan-1 to City Hall

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to clear your mind, savor local tea, or catch a romantic night view, Maokong is the perfect weekend escape for Taipei locals and travelers alike.

“Stressed” is just “desserts” spelled backward—take a break and treat yourself.

So why not hop on the gondola today and escape into the tea-scented hills of Maokong?