About 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. There are 6 stations in Maokong Gondola, 4 of which are for passengers to get on and off the cable car, namely Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and the Maokong Station. 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.
Can I 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.
How Long does The Ride Take?
Because the weather changes, it won’t run at the same speed. It usually takes about 20 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).
Best Things to Do in
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.
There are two queues: one for Crystal Cabins and the other for Regular Cabins.
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.
Visit Zhinan Temple
At the Zhinan Temple, located near the base of the gondola, you can immerse yourself in traditional Taiwanese culture. The temple is dedicated to the Taoist deity Ma Zu, the goddess of the sea, and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. From the temple, you’ll have a stunning view of the city and mountains. The temple is a peaceful stop before or after your gondola ride, offering both a cultural and spiritual experience.
Enjoy Local Cuisine and Tea at Maokong
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
Maokong Station Visitor Center: Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00~18:00
Maokong Gondola Ticket Price
Regular Cabin: (for foreigners)
One-Day Pass: NT$300 (Valid for unlimited Gondola rides)
Single-Journey Tickets: NT$180 (per person per trip)
Upgrade to Crystal Cabin: Add NT$50 per person per trip (Max.5 passengers only)
Chartered Cabin: Add NT$600 per car per trip
Children aged 0-5 years old can ride for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Each adult is limited to 2 children.
How to Buy Tickets
■ You swipe your EasyCard before boarding. Please be sure to top up before queuing.
■ 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.
Choose Good Weather
It is important to choose good weather to ride, otherwise you may encounter Service Suspension. The best time to visit the Maokong Gondola is on weekdays when there are fewer people. It’s a great place to come when the weather is nice, and you can enjoy the endless mountain 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. I hope you can also have an unforgettable experience. The cable car ride is also a great place to enjoy beautiful sunsets and evenings when the city lights come on.
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.
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?
Transportation information
From: MRT(BR01 Taipei Zoo Exit 2) → walk 300 meters
Google Map: Maokong Gondola’s Taipei Zoo Station
Maokong Tour Bus: Free or Single-Fare
Passengers who ride the Maokong Gondola 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.
Click image to view full size
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 10-15 minutes (off peak hour 15-20 minutes); Weekends and holidays every 7-10 minutes (off peak hour 10-15 minutes); After 19:00, buses depart at 19:00, 19:30 and 20:00.
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
Frequency: Regular Interval
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:20; Weekends and Holidays, 13:20-15:50
Suggested Travel Itineraries
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle