Maokong Gondola Introduction
The Maokong Gondola, with a length of 4.03 kilometers, is the first cable car system in Taipei City. A one-way ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with four stations including "Zoological Garden Station," "Zoological Garden South Station," "Zhinan Temple Station," and "Maokong Station" for passengers to get on and off. It's easy to take the Maokong Gondola from the Zoological Garden Station; just ride the Wenhu Line of the MRT to the last stop, "Zoological Garden Station," and walk to the cable car station. The first stop of the gondola is at Zoological Garden South Station, where visitors can take the shuttle bus from the zoo to the South Station and then ride the gondola to Maokong. The second stop, Zhinan Temple Station, features five major temples that attract visitors from all over to pay their respects, and there is a tea pavilion offering Wenshan Pouchong tea, Tieguanyin, and more, providing a place for tourists to relax. Maokong Station, the terminal station of the gondola, is surrounded by tea plantations and tea houses, where many people come to enjoy tea and chat. As night falls, visitors can enjoy the panoramic night view of the Greater Taipei area. If you visit Maokong, don't forget to find a tea house to sip the famous "Muzha Tieguanyin" and "Wenshan Pouchong tea," while enjoying delicious local tea meals and the stunning views of the Taipei Basin — it's a trip worth making! The three most beautiful moments on the gondola are after rain with clouds and fog, at dusk with the sunset glow, and the brilliant night scenery. As you ride the gondola, you can admire the passing MRT trains, the riverside park by Jingmei River, Taipei 101, and the Guandu Incinerator; as you approach the second station, there is a sharp turn that opens up the view, allowing you to overlook the traffic on the highway; after passing Zhinan Temple Station, you start to climb a steep V-shaped slope, which is the highlight of the gondola journey, creating an unforgettable experience.
