The Maokong Gondola is one of the more relaxing things to do in Taipei if you want a break from the city without actually leaving it. The gondola takes you from the edge of Taipei up into the hills of Maokong, an area known for its tea plantations, mountain views, and quieter atmosphere.

Maokong Gondola Taipei

I ended up doing it on a whim and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The ride itself is already part of the experience, especially as the city gradually gives way to greener scenery and rolling hills.


How to Get to Maokong Gondola

The easiest way to get to the Maokong Gondola is by MRT. Take the Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station and use Exit 2. From there, it's only a few minutes' walk to the gondola station, and the route is clearly signposted, so it's difficult to get lost.

Another option is taking the bus, though the MRT is generally the simpler choice for most visitors. Since Taipei's public transport system is easy to navigate, getting there independently isn't difficult even if it's your first time in the city.

Maokong Gondola Taipei
view of the gondolas from the observation deck at Maokong

If you prefer a more direct route, taxis are also readily available throughout Taipei. This can be a convenient option if you're traveling in a group or coming from an area that isn't directly connected to the MRT.

What to Expect at Maokong Gondola

Before boarding, it's worth knowing that the Maokong Gondola has several stops along the route, and you can get on and off at any of them. If you're planning to explore every stop in detail, especially the zoo, it's easy to spend most of the day in the area. For my visit, I only got off at Zhinan Temple Station and Maokong Station. That felt like a good balance for me since it gave me time to explore without turning it into a full-day activity.

Taipei Zoo South Station

The first stop is Taipei Zoo South Station. Most people stay on the gondola and continue towards Maokong, but you can get off here if you want to explore nearby walking trails and green spaces. The atmosphere starts to feel noticeably different from central Taipei at this point. You're already higher up, and the views become increasingly scenic as you continue the ride.

Zhinan Temple Station

The next stop is Zhinan Temple Station, which serves the historic Zhinan Temple. If you're interested in temples, this is worth considering as a stop since the temple complex is quite large and offers elevated views of the surrounding area.

Maokong Gondola Taipei
Zhinan Temple

Even if you don't get off, you'll notice the scenery becoming much greener around this section of the route. The ride between stations is long enough that you can simply sit back and enjoy the views.

Maokong Station

Most visitors continue all the way to Maokong Station, which is the final stop. This area is known for its tea houses, local restaurants, and mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for a leisurely afternoon. Many people come here specifically to enjoy tea while overlooking the hills. There are also walking paths around the area if you'd rather spend your time exploring instead of sitting in a tea house.

Maokong Gondola Taipei
Maokong Station

The pace in Maokong feels noticeably slower than the rest of Taipei. It's easy to spend a few hours here without really having a strict itinerary, especially if you enjoy wandering around and taking your time.

Where to Get Tickets for Maokong Gondola

Tickets can be purchased either online or on-site. Buying online can save a bit of time, particularly during weekends and holidays when visitor numbers are higher. Some travel platforms like Klook also occasionally offer package deals that include other attractions.

If you're buying on-site, you can use the ticket machines or the service counters at Taipei Zoo Station. A standard one-way fare to Maokong costs NTD180, while a round trip costs NTD300. The gondola can also be paid for using an EasyCard, which many visitors already use for Taipei's public transport system.


The Maokong Gondola ended up being one of the more relaxing experiences I had in Taipei. The ride itself is already worth doing for the views, but the different stops along the way give you the flexibility to make the trip as short or as long as you want.

Since I only stopped at Zhinan Temple and Maokong, I can't really speak for the zoo experience, but I never felt like I was missing out. The combination of the gondola ride, the temple, and the slower pace of Maokong was enough to fill a good part of the day. If you're looking for an easy escape from the city without actually leaving Taipei, this is definitely worth considering.