A Family Trip in the Sky: A Day Leaving the Ground on the Maokong Gondola
Auto-TranslationThe area outside the Zoo Station is always especially lively.
The sound of children's laughter, the rolling of stroller wheels, and the gentle reminders from parents saying "Walk slowly" all converge at the entrance of the gondola. For many families, the Maokong Gondola is not merely a mode of transport, but the first highlight of their journey.
Take the Taipei Metro Wenshan-Neihu Line (Brown Line) from downtown Taipei to the terminal station, "Zoo Station." A short walk of about 3 to 5 minutes from Exit 1 will bring you to the gondola entrance. You can simply use your EasyCard to board without needing a reservation, making it very family-friendly for those with children.
As you board the gondola, remember to pay attention to your feet. At the moment the doors close, the ground slowly leaves beneath you.
The roofs of the zoo shrink, the roads narrow, and the rivers become quiet lines. This approximately 20-minute aerial journey will quickly capture the attention of everyone in the gondola, as the scenery is simply too captivating.
If you want to create more unforgettable memories for your children, you can choose the crystal cabin. The transparent glass floor allows the mountains and forests beneath you to unfold directly. The crystal cabin requires an additional fee of NT$50 per person, with a maximum of five people per cabin, making it ideal for small families. The cabin operates smoothly and is safe for both children and the elderly, but if anyone has a serious fear of heights, it is recommended to opt for the regular cabin.
On weekends, the wait time after 10 AM will noticeably lengthen. It is advisable to arrive early or choose to go up the mountain in the evening for a more pleasant experience.
As the gondola crosses above the Zhinan Temple, the city almost completely disappears, leaving only the mountains and the wind. The once noisy children are now almost pressed against the window, taking in the scenery. For them, this feels like an amusement ride, but the views are more real than any theme park.
Upon arriving at Maokong Station, the mountain breeze greets you.
The mountain breeze carries the scent of tea leaves, and the temperature is a bit cooler than in the city, making it perfect for a deep breath. For families, Maokong is not necessarily a place where you need to hike long trails; it's ideal for a leisurely stroll and finding a tea house to sit down and relax. Near Maokong Station, you can walk to the Zhuangshu Trail, the tea plantation viewing platform, and several tea houses, making for a relaxed half-day trip. Adults can enjoy tea while the kids have some snacks, naturally slowing down the pace.
If the children still have energy, you can take the short tea plantation trails. These routes are gentle and safe, perfect for letting off some steam, and they allow the kids to actually walk on mountain paths, reminding them that "the mountains" are not just images on a screen but the ground beneath their feet.
The evening is the most comfortable time in Maokong.
The lights along the mountains slowly illuminate, and the city begins to glow in the distance. Many families choose to take the gondola back at night, which often becomes the highlight of the entire trip. As the cabin glides into the night, the lights of Taipei resemble an entire starry sky. The children press against the glass once more, and adults unconsciously turn their gaze towards the city lights. The hustle and bustle of the day comes to a halt, leaving only the slowly moving lights of the world.
The one-way ticket price is NT$180, while a day pass for unlimited rides is NT$300. If you plan to get on and off at multiple stations or take another ride at night, the day pass is a better value. Please note that regular maintenance occurs on Mondays, so remember to check the official announcements before your visit.
If you still have energy, take a longer walk to the Yinhe Cave. The ancient temple nestled in the cliff and the slender waterfall look like a scene straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki film. Although the stone steps are steeper and require careful footing, the enchanting aura hidden in the mountains and forests is definitely the coolest adventure of this trip.
For a round trip from the city center, along with walking and enjoying tea, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 4 hours to ensure that the itinerary is not rushed.
The charm of the Maokong Gondola lies not only in taking the family up the mountain but in allowing everyone to see the same breathtaking scenery together during the journey. This memory is not just about photos, but about those few minutes spent together as they leave the ground.
Some journeys require traveling far, while others only require looking up. The Maokong Gondola belongs to the latter— it allows families to find a genuine moment that truly belongs to one another high above the city.
