Maokong, Taipei

From Taipei Zoo, there is a direct cable car ride to Maokong, a mountainous district in the southeastern edge of Taipei. It has the biggest tea growing area with numerous oolong tea plantations. It can be reached by a gondola (cable car) or by bus as well as through several hiking trails in the thickly forested area. One hiking trail leads straight into the Zhinan temple which tourists and locals alike visit, often.

The gondola has 4 stops. Taipei Zoo station, Taipei Zoo South station, Zhinan Temple station and Maokong station We did not alight at the Zhinan Temple station because it looked isolated and it would require a bit of a hike to reach the temple. One way ride lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You can avail of a single journey ticket or get the all day pass (unlimited rides). 

The gondola ride (not airconditioned) was a bit shaky but we are not scared of heights so we did not panic. Fantastic view of Taipei with its gorgeous mix of nature with residential buildings. It was quite chilly as we approached the hilltop destination, Maokong station. 

Exhausted from exploring the Taipei zoo on foot, we did not seek out the Zhinan temple. It can reached via bus (there is a specific time schedule) or by walking/hiking. According to Google maps, it is an estimated 20 minutes walk from the Maokong station.  Take note for 2 fifty year olds, 20 minutes can turn into almost an hour. LOL

We simply stayed near the gondola station and had some really yummy oolong tea ice cream on a cone. It was different, interesting taste as I am partial to drinking tea but it isn't a flavor I would actively seek out, just saying.

Fatigue was setting in by then with the climate getting colder, it was time to head down to lower grounds via the gondola in pitch darkness. Interesting experience and wish we had more energy and time to fully explore Maokong and its adjacent temples. Necxt time, na lang.

Taipei was all decked out for the Lunar New Year (Jan. 29-30, 2025) pulsing with a festive vibe even though we were there from Jan. 13-18, 2025. We ended the day with a delicious hotpot dinner at our favorite restaurant, Mala hotpot in the Ximen district. Warm meal to replenish our energy and rest our weary souls. =)