Maokong Tea Guide: Taipei's Own Tea Hills

Taipei's tea hills

Most capital cities don't grow their own tea. Taipei does. Maokong, in the Muzha area of southern Taipei, is a working tea district turned beloved teahouse destination — close enough for an easy outing, high enough to feel a world away.

Getting there: the gondola

The signature way in is the Maokong Gondola, which carries visitors up over the hills and is a major access route to the area. The ride itself, with its glass-floor cabins on some cars, is part of the experience.

The local tea

Maokong's specialty is Tieguanyin, a fragrant, often roasted oolong. The surrounding Wenshan area also produces light, floral Baozhong, so the district offers an easy contrast between roasted and floral styles.

What to do

• Ride the gondola up for the views.
• Settle into a hillside teahouse overlooking Taipei.
• Walk the temple paths and short trails between teahouses.
• Try tea-infused dishes, a local specialty.

Best type of traveler

Maokong is perfect for visitors who want a genuine tea experience without leaving Taipei for long. It is relaxed, scenic, and forgiving of a loose schedule.

How it compares

Versus Pinglin, Maokong is closer and more about teahouse leisure and views than farm visits. Versus Alishan, it is a half-day city escape rather than a mountain expedition.

Make a day of it

Combine Maokong with a Taipei tea-house route for a full day that moves from city salons to hillside terraces. See our day-trips guide to slot it into a Taipei itinerary.