Maokong Gondola

There are not many cities in the world that is home to the second tallest building and the most scenic gondola on earth while being surrounded by lush green mountains. In Taipei, named one of the best places to travel, there is no shortage of outdoor fun, and a ride on Maokong Gondola is especially a must for those who are visiting the capital city.

Lauded for its sheer convenience and affordability, the Taipei metro system is everything that a traveler could ask for. Even the Maokong Gondola is integrated into the same system, allowing riders to pay the fare by using EasyCard (the stored-value card that is widely used in Taiwan). To reach Maokong Gondola, simply ride the metro to the end of the brown line, and a short walk allows easy access to the gondola. You may hop off at any of its four stations (Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, Maokong Station). The ropeway will take you over the vast mountainous landscape, offering unrestricted views of the whole Taipei basin as well as its natural and architectural marvels. The ride will be an educational one as you are traveling through a largely undeveloped area, which is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including ¼ of the butterfly species in Taiwan and birds from more than fifty species.

But long before the ropeway was even established, Maokong had earned global notoriety for the tea plantations. A trip to Maokong is sure to include visits to some of the teahouses, restaurants and a tea museum that dot the mountain landscape. Whether on a day tour or an afternoon excursion, Maokong Gondola will transport you to another side of Taipei and allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoying the magnificent skyline in the most natural setting possible.