DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Maokong Gondola

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°11
Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)

Weather…

The Maokong Gondola is an aerial lift system in Taipei that connects the Taipei Zoo with the Maokong area, known for its traditional tea plantations. Launched in July 2007, the system covers a total length of 4.03 kilometers and includes four passenger stations: Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. The gondola provides a scenic transit option, offering panoramic views of Taipei's mountainous terrain and the city skyline. Some cabins feature glass bottoms, known as “Eyes of Maokong,” allowing passengers to view the forest floor beneath them from a unique perspective. Maokong itself is a historic tea-growing region, particularly famous for its Tieguanyin tea, and is dotted with numerous teahouses overlooking the hills. The gondola has significantly increased accessibility to this high-altitude cultural and natural retreat, making it a favorite weekend destination for locals and tourists.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141517212426282726232016
Rain mm958812712222727016926324310910796

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Maokong Gondola is a cable car that operates year-round. Rides are possible while it runs, typically daily.
🕒
Typical hours
The gondola typically runs from about 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with breaks late evening. Holiday schedules may differ.
📷
Photography
Photography from the gondola is allowed and very popular. Be careful not to obstruct other passengers.
⏱️
Time needed
The full ride takes about 20-30 minutes each way. Allow extra time for queues and exploring Maokong itself.
➕
Combine with
Combine the gondola ride with a visit to a traditional teahouse in Maokong. Taipei Zoo is located at the lower end of the gondola.
🧭
Getting there
The lower station is accessible by Taipei Metro (Wenhu line). Get off at Taipei Zoo station and follow the signs.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the gondola in the late afternoon for sunset over the city. Bring a light jacket as it is cooler at the top.

Geography

Coordinates
24.96860, 121.59010

Facts

  • The Maokong Gondola officially opened for service on July 4, 2007.
  • The total length of the cable car line is exactly 4.03 kilometers.
  • A full journey from the Zoo to Maokong takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
  • The system operates 147 cabins, including 31 'Crystal Cabins' with glass floors.
  • The maximum transport capacity is estimated at 2,000 passengers per hour.
  • The Zhinan Temple station provides access to a major Taoist religious site.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Taipei ZooTaipei Zoo2 km · SWExplore →
Elephant MountainElephant Mountain4 km · SWExplore →
Nangang Software ParkNangang Software Park6 km · NWExplore →
Daan Forest ParkDaan Forest Park7 km · SWExplore →
WulaiWulai7 km · SEExplore →
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial HallChiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall9 km · SWExplore →
National Revolutionary Martyrs' ShrineNational Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine9 km · SWExplore →
National Palace MuseumNational Palace Museum9 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Maokong Gondola (11)

Zhizitoushan🌿 nature

A recognized peak in the Maokong area, popular among hikers for its scenic trails.

Wutukushan🌿 nature

This notable mountain summit rises above the tea plantations of the Maokong Gondola region.

Bijiashan🌿 nature

A rocky peak in the Maokong region, offering challenging hiking routes.

Zhangshan Temple📍 landmark

An attraction and temple situated in the hills of Maokong, offering panoramic city views.

Zhinan Temple⛪ religious

This renowned place of worship is a prominent spiritual site overlooking the Maokong area.

Tea Research and Promotion Center🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the cultivation, history, and promotion of local tea in the Maokong hills.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:00

Hu-Lien Former Residence Memorial🏛 museum

This museum preserves the historical former residence of Hu-Lien in the Maokong area.

🕒 Th-Sa 10:00-12:00; Th-Sa 14:00-16:00; PH off💶

Taiping Temple⛪ religious

Established in 1807, this historic place of worship serves the community near the Maokong Gondola.

Bitan Bridge📍 landmark

A recognized bridge structure crossing the scenic waterways near the Maokong region.

Taipei Christian Chi Chang Church📍 landmark

A Christian church offering religious services in the Maokong Gondola area.

Silver Stream Waterfall⛪ religious

The Silver Stream Waterfall combines a natural water cascade with a place of worship, creating a peaceful spiritual retreat.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long does the gondola ride take?
The ride to the terminus takes about 20-30 minutes.
Does the gondola run in rain?
Yes in light rain, but it stops during strong winds or storms.
Is the crystal cabin worth it?
Yes, highly recommended for the spectacular view downwards.
Are pets allowed in the gondola?
Small pets in a closed carrier are usually allowed.
What can I do in Maokong?
Visit teahouses, go hiking, and enjoy the city view.
Maokong Gondola: where is it located?
Maokong Gondola is located in Taiwan.
Maokong Gondola: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zhizitoushan, Wutukushan, Bijiashan.
Maokong Gondola: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Maokong Gondola: why is it worth visiting?
The Maokong Gondola is an aerial lift system in Taipei that connects the Taipei Zoo with the Maokong area, known for its traditional tea plantations.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Taiwan →

Nearby cities

Taipei — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Taipei
The bustling capital of Taiwan, known for the 508-meter-tall Taipei 101 skyscraper and lively night markets.

History & landmarks

Elephant Mountain — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Elephant Mountain
A steep hill near the center of Taipei, offering one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.
Taipei 101 — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Taipei 101
An iconic skyscraper that was once the tallest building in the world, featuring a distinctive pagoda-inspired design.
Raohe Street Night Market — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Raohe Street Night Market
One of the oldest night markets in Taipei, known for its traditional dishes and the imposing gate at its entrance.
National Palace Museum — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
National Palace Museum
A world-renowned museum housing one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks.
Shilin Night Market — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Shilin Night Market
The largest and most famous night market in Taipei, a hub for local street food and shopping.
Yangmingshan National Park — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Yangmingshan National Park
A volcanic national park right outside Taipei, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and cherry blossoms blooming in spring.

More places

Taipei Zoo — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Taipei Zoo
One of the largest zoos in Asia, well-known for its giant pandas.
Nangang Software Park — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Nangang Software Park
A major technology park in Taipei focused on biotechnology and software development.
Daan Forest Park — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Daan Forest Park
A large green oasis in the heart of Taipei providing recreation for city dwellers.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A prominent monument in Taipei erected in memory of former President Chiang Kai-shek.
National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine
A shrine built to honor the fallen soldiers of the Republic of China during various historical conflicts.
Mengjia Longshan Temple — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Mengjia Longshan Temple
One of the oldest and most significant temples in Taipei, built in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian.
Yangmingshan National Park — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park near Taipei is known for its hot springs and volcanic fumaroles.
Qixingshan — Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
Qixingshan
A dormant volcano and the highest mountain in the Taipei metropolitan area.