Maokong Gondola — Attraction in Taipei

Attached is the staff that is being very rude and sarcastic towards tourist, and even quarrel and shouted at me with a very bad tone and body language. asked the staff at the ticketing if needed to pay extra for a crystal clear cabin, staff mention don't need and showed us the stairs up. Went up and told this staff Liu Chi Mei 劉池妹 that we wanted the crystal clear cabin, she say need to pay extra, so I told her the staff downstairs told me no need to pay extra, so she sarcastically talk through the walkie talkie stating that "this tourist mention that there's is no need to pay for crystal clear cabin in Mandarin, is not like we can't pay but is the staff downstairs that gave the info and yet we are being shouted at by this staff Liu Chi Mei 劉池. So we went down to pay for the additional charges, and came up, and she gave an attitude and even commented sarcastically saying that we cheated our way up! So I asked for her name n pass so i can see,  yet she stuff her pass right in front of my face, (very rudely) when I wanted to see, she turned and try to hide her staff pass. When the manager came out to talk to me, she is not happy about it, and even shouted at me again, no apologises from her all the way, even after the manager spoke to me, she still can raise her voice asking me then what I expect her to do? That tone and sentence pissed me off, not apologising and yet still speak with such manner. Hope that the department can do something about it for such rude staff especially they are placed at the front line of customer service for tourist. she is not even qualified to be standing at the front line especially towards tourist.  Is a shame to the maokong Gondola and to Taiwan (Taipei) with such bad and ridiculous attitude. beware of this staff 劉池妹. Not even a single star at all. is so dissapointing as a tourist visiting...

Steeped in terraces, temples and tea leaves, Maokong is Taipei’s tea tourism epicentre. A vertiginous valley split by the roaring Zhinan River, its dramatic scenery contrasts with the serenity of a cup of oolong in one of its famous teahouses. oolong tea is partially oxidised and then roasted, which gives it a flavour profile somewhere between green and black tea. The two main varieties grown in Maokong are Tieguanyin – a jade-coloured floral tea – and Baozhong, a subtle, sweet tea with a pale golden colour said to resemble the full moon. Both are served in jitter-inducing quantities – perfect preparation for a hike on one of Maokong’s many scenic trails.

Maokong is reached via the Maokong Gondola, an exhilarating 30-minute cable car ride over tea plantations and forest canopy. Take the Wenhu (brown) line to Taipei Zoo metro station, and then walk for five minutes to the Taipei Zoo gondola station. If you have a pre-paid EasyCard for the metro, you can use this to pay for your gondola ride. One in every three cabins is a glass-floored Crystal Cabin that makes for a thrilling, if vertigo-inducing, ride. The gondola stops at four stations – Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple and Maokong. The wait on weekends can be as long as three hours, so arrive early or visit on a weekday. The gondola also occasionally shuts down for maintenance or during extreme weather. One kilometre west of Maokong Station, the red-brick Taipei Tea Promotion Center has a display on tea growing, drying, spinning and roasting, as well as instructions on how to make the perfect brew. The best part? Free cups of Tieguanyin in the gift shop. The centre also runs tea picking, processing and brewing workshops from June...

The Maokong Gondola offers a unique way to experience Taipei's lush mountainsides and learn a bit about its tea-growing heritage. Whether you're seeking panoramic views, a taste of tea culture, or simply a leisurely ride, it's a worthwhile addition to your Taipei itinerary.

The Experience

Sweeping City Views: As you ascend from Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei's urban landscape unfolds below you. The ride offers breathtaking views, especially on clear days.

Glass-Bottom Option: For an extra thrill, choose the 'Crystal Cabin' with a glass floor. It provides a unique perspective on the forest below.

Stops Along the Way: The gondola line has several stops, including the Zhinan Temple, a beautiful traditional temple nestled in the mountains.

Maokong Village: The final stop is Maokong, known for its tea houses and plantations. Explore tea shops, sample local teas, and enjoy the relaxed mountain atmosphere.

Tips

Beat the Crowds: Weekdays and mornings tend to be less busy. Be prepared for longer lines on weekends and holidays.

Combined Tickets: Consider purchasing a combo ticket including the Taipei Zoo, making for a convenient half-day or full-day outing.

Weather Matters: Fog or rain can obscure the views, so check the forecast if scenic vistas are your priority.

Overall

The Maokong Gondola is more than just transportation. It's a scenic journey with the opportunity to explore both Taiwanese tea culture and beautiful natural surroundings. While touristy, it remains a fun and unique way to experience a different...