Mechanical doors pulled open as our colorful, glass-bottomed Maokong gondola rounded the corner inside of Taiwan’s Taipei Zoo Station. Our cabin swinging underfoot, we stepped inside and settled down on the hard metal bench seats.
Colorful, glass-bottomed gondola
Cabin doors slammed shut as steel cables hoisted our gondola through the terminal and into the air.
We’re headed into the mountains!
Climbing Into the Mountains
Our gondola ascended through our first span of cabling as we quickly drew up and away from the city. Looking ahead, we watched the top-supported cars ahead roll by large towers built right into the mountainside. While gazing through the glass bottom of the gondola, tree tops greeted us from below.
Gondolas approach the first tower
We felt a smooth bump as we crossed our first tower. While passing by this cylindrical tower, we marveled at the support in place for the single cable that propelled our gondola forward.
Moments later, we swung into the lush valley as Taipei settled into the horizon.
Looking toward the lush mountain valley
We took in scenic views of this breathtaking valley as we headed towards Taipei Zoo South Station.
Taipei Zoo South Station
We arrived at Taipei Zoo South Station at an altitude of just over 300 feet. Many travelers choose to board here as it is located near the Wetland Park at the south end of Taipei Zoo. According to the map on the wall, however, we had just one more station between us and Maokong!
City views from the Gondola
We savored our bird’s eye view of Taipei’s metropolitan suburbs from the gondola above as we approached Zhinan Temple Station.
Zhinan Temple Station
After passing through several towers, we pulled into Zhinan Temple Station. We’ve now climbed over 860 feet in altitude, with a little more than 120 feet to go. As we left the station, we moved into the Zhinan River Valley.
We relished our spectacular aerial view of the Zhinan Temple courtyard featuring a gazebo, waterfalls, dragons and a moat.
Zhinan Temple courtyard
Sitting along the slope of Houshan, this Taoist temple focuses on the legendary immortal Lü Dongbin.
Zhinan Temple
Approaching Maokong
Approaching Maokong Station, we passed above mountainside farmland. Both the moist climate and rich soil in this region are perfectly suited for farming oolong tea.
Farms of Maokong
After our 30 minute gondola ride, we landed in the quaint mountain village of Maokong. While there, we enjoyed hiking, panoramic views of Taipei City and fresh oolong tea!
Scene from Maokong: Cats and the Gondola
Plan Your Own Maokong Gondola Ride
If you find yourself in Taipei, be sure to experience the Maokong Gondola yourself!
Hop on the Wenshan-Neihu Line of Taipei Metro and continue to the Taipei Zoo Station. From there, take a short walk over to the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station. Round trip tickets will set you back NT$260. As a traveler, you may want to pick up a Taipei Fun Pass instead for NT$350. With this pass, you get unlimited rides on the MRT, bus and gondola.
