Maokong Tea Hills
Glide above emerald tea terraces in a crystal gondola, sip high-mountain oolong in a hilltop tea house, and watch the lights of Taipei sparkle below as the sun sets.
Why Visit Maokong
Maokong (貓空) is a tea-growing mountain on the southern edge of Taipei, once a quiet hill station and now a popular escape for tea lovers and city dwellers. The area is covered in terraced tea plantations, traditional tea houses, and winding forest trails. The Maokong Gondola is one of the most scenic cable car rides in Taiwan, offering panoramic views of the city, the river, and the tea hills as it climbs from the Taipei Zoo to the summit.
Glass Gondola Ride
The crystal-bottom cabins offer a thrilling view of the forest canopy and tea terraces below. The full ride takes about 30 minutes.
High-Mountain Oolong
Maokong is famous for Tieguanyin and Wenshan Baozhong oolong teas. Many tea houses still roast their own leaves over charcoal.
City Views
From the hilltop, you can see the Taipei 101 skyline, the Tamsui River, and on clear days, the distant mountains of Yilan.
How to Get to Maokong
| Method | From | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maokong Gondola | Taipei Zoo MRT Station to Maokong | ~30 min | ~NT$120 |
| Bus | Small community buses from Muzha / Wanfang | ~40 min | ~NT$15 |
| Hiking | Trails from Taipei Zoo or Zhinan Temple | ~60-90 min | Free |
Tip: The gondola is the most popular way up. On weekends, the queue can be long. Arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM for shorter waits.
Top Things to Do in Maokong
Ride the Gondola
The Maokong Gondola has four stations. The crystal cabins (bottom glass) are worth the wait for the full aerial experience over the tea hills.
Tea House Hopping
Dozens of tea houses line the hilltop roads. Many offer outdoor seating with city views. Try a traditional tea ceremony with local snacks.
Zhinan Temple
A grand Taoist temple near the gondola's Zhinan Temple Station. The temple complex is ornate and offers good views of the surrounding hills.
Hiking Trails
Several forest trails crisscross the hill. The Maokong Circular Trail is an easy 3 km loop through tea terraces and bamboo groves.
Tea & Dining Tips
Tea House Etiquette
- ✓ Most tea houses charge a per-person fee (NT$150-300) including tea and snacks.
- ✓ Tea is typically served in a gongfu style with small cups and a clay teapot.
- ✓ Refills are standard. The same leaves can be steeped 5-7 times.
- ✓ Reservations are recommended on weekends for the best-view tables.
Best Time to Visit
- ✓ Late afternoon: Arrive by 4 PM to enjoy tea and sunset over the city.
- ✓ Clear days: The city view is spectacular when the sky is free of haze.
- ✓ Evening: The night view of Taipei 101 and the city lights is a highlight.
Maokong Quick Facts
~30 min
Gondola from Taipei Zoo
NT$120
Gondola round trip
Evening
Best for city night views
Oolong
Signature tea variety
Nearby Attractions
Yangmingshan National Park
A volcanic park with hiking trails, seasonal flowers, and hot springs. The perfect outdoor contrast to Maokong's tea culture.
Learn more →Taipei Zoo
One of Asia's largest zoos, located at the base of the Maokong Gondola. A great family stop before or after your tea hill visit.
Browse places →Wulai Indigenous Village
An Atayal village with waterfalls, riverside hot springs, and cable cars. A deeper cultural experience in the mountains.
Learn more →The Tea Culture of Maokong
Maokong has been a tea-producing region for over a century, and the local tea houses still practice traditional brewing methods. The Tieguanyin and Wenshan Baozhong oolongs grown here are prized for their floral aroma and smooth finish. Many tea houses are family-run and have been passed down through generations, preserving a culture of hospitality that invites visitors to slow down and savor the moment.
Continue Exploring
After tea in the hills, visit the Taipei Zoo at the gondola base or explore the historic streets of Wanhua for a complete Taipei day.