June 6, 2025
Introduction to Maokong Gondola
The Maokong Gondola is a scenic cable car system located in Taipei, Taiwan, offering visitors a breathtaking aerial view of the city and the lush mountains surrounding it. The gondola is particularly famous for providing a unique perspective of the famous Maokong area, known for its tea plantations, nature trails, and tranquil atmosphere.
The Maokong Gondola was opened in 2007 and was designed to provide an easy, scenic route from the Zhinan Temple area to the Maokong mountain region. The gondola ride not only offers a convenient way to reach Maokong but also serves as a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning views of Taipei and the surrounding mountains, as well as its access to the area’s tea culture.
The Maokong Gondola system is 4.03 kilometers long and its body is in the shape of a “7”. This is Taipei City’s first fully automatic circular cable car system.
Gondola Route & Stations
There are 6 stations in Maokong Gondola, 4 of which are for passengers to get on and off the cable car. There are four stations on the Maokong Gondola route:
1. Taipei Zoo Station – The starting point
2. Taipei Zoo South Station – For aerial views of the zoo
3. Zhinan Temple Station – Near a historic temple nestled in the hills
4. Maokong Station – Final stop, famous for tea houses and mountain views
The other two stations are used only for mechanical equipment and electricity and do not provide passenger services. It is very convenient to take the Maokong Gondola. Just take the MRT Wenhu Line to the last stop, Taipei Zoo Station, then walk to the Maokong Gondola’s Taipei Zoo Station and transfer to the Maokong Gondola.
Use EasyCard to Take the Maokong Gondola
Each EasyCard can be used for one passenger only. The most convenient way to take the Maokong Gondola is to use the EasyCard. You swipe your EasyCard before boarding. Please be sure to top up before queuing. If your EasyCard balance is insufficient, you may lose your place in the queue when you top up at the counter.
Maokong Gondola Luggage Storage
Lockers are located at Taipei Zoo Station. If you can’t find the location, you can ask the staff
Things to Do in Maokong Gondola
The Maokong Gondola offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Taipei from a stunning aerial perspective, and it provides access to the serene Maokong area, known for its tea plantations, hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Here are the best things to do while visiting the Maokong Gondola:
Enjoy Scenic Gondola Rides
The gondola ride itself is one of the top highlights. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Taipei, the surrounding mountains, and the lush greenery. On clear days, you can see landmarks like Taipei 101 in the distance.
For an extra thrill, ride the crystal gondolas with glass floors, which provide an exciting view of the ground below. These gondolas are perfect for photography and a unique experience as you glide above the forests and city.
Regular Cabin and Crystal Cabin
There are a total of 147 cabins, including 31 crystal cabins. The Regular Cabin can accommodate up to 8 people. The Regular Cabin floor was changed to 3 layers of tempered glass with a total thickness of about 48 mm and a glass weight of about 213 kg.
The transparent floor has passed the European CE safety certification and each vehicle is limited to 5 people. The Crystal Cabin transports passengers every 2 to 4 minutes on average.
Note: If you want to ride in the Crystal Cabins, you need to go to the ticket booth to buy an upgraded ticket and then queue up. NT$50 per person per time.
▼ There are two queues: one for Crystal Cabins(Right) and the other for Regular Cabins (Left).
How Long does The Ride Take?
Because the weather changes, it won’t run at the same speed. It usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. According to the official website, the one-way cable car journey takes approximately 17 to 37 minutes. Depends on the system speed (operating speed is 5 m/s ~ 2 m/s).
Convenience Store at Maokong Station
The convenience store at Maokong Station of Maokong Gondola covers an area of about 50 square meters, providing tourists with a good place for leisure and shopping. The spacious lounge area has dozens of seats.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, you can not only see the mountain scenery of the Maokong area, but the convenience store also has a Maokong and Taipei specialty area, providing a variety of souvenirs, making it convenient for tourists entering and leaving Maokong to rest and shop.
Visit the Tea Plantations
Maokong is famous for its tea farms, especially Taiwanese oolong tea, and visitors can explore these lush tea plantations upon arrival. Some gondola stations are near tea houses where you can enjoy tea-tasting experiences and learn about traditional tea-making processes.
Once you reach Maokong, visit one of the many tea houses where you can enjoy a traditional Taiwanese tea-tasting experience. Sample different types of tea, such as oolong tea or high mountain tea, and learn about the local tea-making process.
Hike the Maokong Trails
Maokong is not only a destination for tea lovers but also for nature enthusiasts. Once you reach the Maokong area, you can explore a variety of hiking trails that wind through the hills and forests. These trails offer serene views of the mountains and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Some of the most popular trails include the Maokong Hiking Trail and Zhinan Temple Trail, which offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Hiking here is a peaceful experience, with opportunities for birdwatching and exploring local flora.
Suggested Travel Itineraries: Click image to view full size
Visit Zhinan Temple
If you’re interested, Maokong has a variety of teahouses and cafes where you can relax and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea. Many of these places offer outdoor seating with stunning views of the mountains and city. Some teahouses also serve traditional Taiwanese snacks and are a great place to have a leisurely meal or enjoy a delicious meal. The price of tea varies from store to store, ranging from NT$200 to NT$800 depending on the type of tea. You can check out the menu before entering.
Enjoy Local Cuisine and Tea at Maokong
If You are interesting, Maokong has a variety of tea houses and cafes where you can relax and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea. Many of these places offer outdoor seating with spectacular views of the mountains and the city. Some tea houses also serve traditional Taiwanese snacks, making it a great spot for a leisurely meal or a tea break.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 21:00
Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 – 22:00
Closed on Mondays and during bad weather (e.g., typhoons, strong winds)
Always check the weather forecast and the gondola’s official site before heading out, especially during rainy season.
Maokong Station Visitor Center: Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00~18:00
Maokong Gondola Ticket Price
You can pay by cash, card, or EasyCard.
Regular Cabin: (for foreigners)
One-Day Pass: NT$300 (good if you plan to go up and down multiple times)
Single-Journey Tickets: NT$180 (per person per trip)
Upgrade to Crystal Cabin: Add NT$50 per person per trip (for a see-through floor experience)
Chartered Cabin: Add NT$600 per car per trip
Children aged 0-6 years old can ride for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Each adult is limited to 2 children.
Dicounted fare are available to: Children below 12 years old with valid IDs.
How to Buy Tickets
■ . Please be sure to top up before queuing. Note: If you want to ride in the Crystal Cabins, you need to go to the ticket booth to buy an upgraded ticket and then queue up. NT$50 per person per time.
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass NT$400 (1-Day Pass + Maokong Gondola)
- Unlimited rides on Taipei MRT and Maokong Gondola (Closed on Mondays)
- Unlimited rides to Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung City Bus (excluding buses with 4-digit numbers)
- Unlimited rides on 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, giving easy access to Yangming Mountain (Yangmingshan), Yeliu, Pingxi, Jiufen, and other major attractions
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
- Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass is the only travel pass that combines transportation and attractions.
- Visit Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola, National Palace Museum, and over 30 other popular attractions.
- Unlimited rides on Taipei MRT, buses, and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle.
Conditions of Service Suspension
When one of the following events happens, the system will suspend service temporarily and will resume service after assessing locale conditions.
▎The service will be temporarily suspended when wind gusts reach 16 m/sec (about Force 7) and continue for over 3 seconds; or when wind gusts exceed over 18 m/sec (about Force 8).
▎The service will be temporarily suspended when there is a lightning strike in any section of the route.
▎The service will be temporarily suspended in the event of an earthquake of an amplitude exceeding Scale 4.
▎Service will be temporarily suspended during land warnings for typhoon (if warning includes Taipei), depending on actual weather conditions and whether school and work has been called off.
The Best Time to Visit
The Maokong Gondola can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially lovely in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush and green. The tea-picking season, which runs from spring to autumn, is also a great time to visit if you’re interested in learning more about Taiwan’s tea culture.
Visiting the Maokong Gondola is not just about the ride — it’s about the views, the atmosphere, and the experience once you reach the mountaintop. To make the most of your trip, timing your visit is key.
The Best Time to Ride
It is recommended to come to Maokong Gondola on weekdays, as 9 am is the least crowded time. If you are alone or with two people you have the opportunity to ride alone without having to share a ride with others.
It will be more crowded after 10:30 am, and you may have to queue for 20-30 minutes after 11:00 am. If it is the weekend, there may be more locals and tourists, and you may need to queue from 10:00 am.
Here’s a guide to help you choose the best time to go:
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Pros: Cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, peaceful teahouses
Perfect for: A relaxed tea brunch or a calm nature walk
Tip: Great time for photography with softer lighting and fewer crowds
Afternoon to Sunset (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Pros: Stunning sunset views, golden-hour light over the city
Perfect for: Photography, couples, and those wanting to dine with a view
Note: The cable car is not air-conditioned in the cabin
Tip: Arrive around 3:30 PM, enjoy a hike or tea, and catch the sunset before descending
Evening (After 6:00 PM)
Pros: City lights, romantic atmosphere, fewer families
Perfect for: A unique nighttime gondola ride and quiet tea experience
Tip: Some teahouses stay open late, but check their hours before heading up
Autumn (October to December) – Best Overall
Clear skies, cool weather, and vibrant foliage
Ideal for hiking and sitting outdoors in teahouses
Spring (March to May) – Lush and Refreshing
Pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers
Occasional light rain, so bring an umbrella just in case
Summer (June to August) – Hot but Lively
Green scenery at its fullest, but be prepared for heat and humidity
Visit early or late in the day to avoid the afternoon sun
Note: The cable car is not air-conditioned and the temperature in the cabin may exceed 40 degrees in summer. Please carefully assess your own condition before riding.
Winter (January to February) – Chilly but Peaceful
Crisp mountain air and fewer tourists
Wear layers, as it can get cold at the top, especially after sunset
Extra Tips
Go on a clear day for the best views. The cable car goes through the undulating terrain, and you can see the running subway trains, the park of the Jingmei River, the Giraffe Incinerator, the highway, etc. on the way.
Try a teahouse once you reach Maokong – the area is known for its high-quality tea.
Avoid weekends if possible – it gets crowded.
If you’re afraid of heights, stick to the regular cabins instead of the crystal-clear ones.
Overall, the Maokong Gondola is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Taipei, combining scenic views, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, all while offering an easy and fun way to explore the hills surrounding the city.
Weather Tips
It is important to choose good weather to ride, otherwise you may encounter Service Suspension.
The gondola doesn’t operate during bad weather (like typhoons, strong wind, or heavy rain).
Always check the official site or Taipei weather on the day you plan to go.
Clear days offer the best visibility for scenic views.
Blossom Season
Apricot Blossom Season: Jan~Feb
Lupin Season: Feb-Mar
Tung Tree Blossom Season: Apr~May
Bamboo Shoot Season: May~Jun
Spring Tea: May~Jun
How to Get to Maokong Gondola in Taipei
The Maokong Gondola is a scenic cable car ride in Taipei that takes you up into the mountains of Maokong, an area famous for its tea plantations and beautiful views. It’s easy to reach by public transportation. Here’s how to get there:
By MRT (Taipei Metro)
Step 1: Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station
Start your journey by taking the MRT (Taipei Metro):
The easiest way to reach the Maokong Gondola is to take the Taipei MRT Brown Line (Wenhu Line).
Ride it all the way to the last stop — Taipei Zoo Station (BR01).
Once you arrive, exit the station through Exit 2.
Note: Arrive at Taipei Zoo Station, after exiting the MRT station, walk to the right to go to Taipei Zoo, and walk to the left to go to Maokong Gondola
Tip: If you’re coming from central Taipei (like Taipei Main Station), you may need to transfer to the Brown Line at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station.
Step 2: Walk to the Gondola Station
After exiting the MRT, the Maokong Gondola station is just a 5-minute walk away:
Follow the signs toward Maokong Gondola / Taipei Zoo South Station.
It’s a straight, easy walk and clearly marked.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting the zoo first, there’s a small shuttle train inside the zoo that connects to the gondola.
Maokong Tour Bus: Free or Single-Fare
Passengers who ride the Maokong Gondola(swipe your EasyCard) can transfer for free to the Maokong Tour Bus on the same day. Feel free to make use of this service as needed. Swipe your EasyCard to ride.
▼ Free transfer requires swiping the card reader below
Maokong Tour Bus (Right Line)
Route: Maokong Gondola Maokong Station → Tianliao Bridge →North Entrance of Camphor Tree Trail → Zhangshan Temple → Telescopic Deck→Apricot Grove → South Entrance of Camphor Tree Trail → Zhanghu Walkway → Maokong Gondola Maokong Station
Frequency: Weekdays every 10-30 minutes
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-20:00; Weekends and Holidays, 08:30-20:00
Maokong Tour Bus (Left Line, Zhinan Temple)
Route: Maokong Pothole → Mini Skywalk→ Pavilion → Yuanshan → Caonan → Maokong Gondola Zhinan Temple Station