Pinglin Tea Culture and Maokong Full-Day Tour from Taipei
- Learn the history behind famous teas like Tieguanyin and Wenshan Baozhong. Witness picturesque views of southern Taipei as you ride the Maokong Gondola. Savour authentic Taiwanese tea during a tasting session at a local shop in Pinglin.
Package Options
Product Info
This full-day tour to Maokong and Pinglin from Taipei is a unique opportunity to gain insight into Taiwanese tea culture from seed to cup. Hike the Maokong Tea Fragrance Loop Trail, then learn about the evolution of Taiwanese tea at the Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong. Complete the experience with a visit to the Bagua Tea Plantation and indulge in a local tea tasting in Pinglin.
- Important Info -
Child policy:
- If you are bringing children under 2 years, please coordinate their participation and any related fees directly with the tour operator after booking confirmation.
- Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Good to know:
- Japanese commentary is available on Wednesdays.
- This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users and individuals with physical disabilities.
- Itinerary -
8:30 AM
Make your own way to the meeting point at Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station.
Start of tour.
9:00-9:30 AM
Ride the Maokong Gondola.
Witness aerial views of southern Taipei.
9:30-10:30 AM
Stroll along the Maokong Tea Fragrance Loop Trail or Maokong Zhangshu Trail.
10:30-11:00 AM
Learn about the evolution of tea at the Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong.
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Visit Maokong for panoramic views of the Taipei Basin.
Enjoy lunch at your own expense.
1:10-1:50 PM
Explore the Thousand Island Lake.
2:00-2:30 PM
Visit the Bagua Tea Plantation.
3:00-3:50 PM
Learn the intricacies of tea processing at the Pinglin Tea Museum of New Taipei City.
4:00-4:50 PM
Indulge in a tea-tasting session at a local tea shop.
4:50 PM
Travel back to Taipei.
6:00 PM
End of tour with drop-off at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change due to weather or traffic conditions.
Important Info
Reminders
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Cancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What can visitors experience during a ride on the Maokong Gondola?
Visitors can enjoy a unique aerial journey over Taipei's lush landscapes. The ride offers panoramic views of southern Taipei, including rolling hills, tranquil tea plantations, and the city skyline in the distance. It's a serene experience, particularly popular for its scenic beauty and the chance to observe nature from above, leading up to the peaceful Maokong area.
2. What is the recommended itinerary for visiting Maokong and Pinglin on a day tour from Taipei?
For a full-day tour from Taipei, it's generally recommended to start with Pinglin to immerse yourself in its tea culture, learn about famous teas like Tieguanyin and Wenshan Baozhong, and enjoy a tasting session. Afterward, proceed to the Maokong area. Riding the Maokong Gondola offers breathtaking views and is a relaxing way to conclude your visit before heading back to Taipei, balancing cultural learning with scenic beauty.
3. How long should I allocate for exploring the Maokong area and taking the Maokong Gondola?
For a comprehensive experience, it's advisable to allocate approximately 3 to 4 hours for the Maokong area, including the round-trip gondola ride. This allows ample time to enjoy the scenic journey, explore the local tea houses, sample delicacies, and take in the tranquil surroundings near the gondola stations. The actual gondola ride duration is separate from the exploration time.
4. Where are the main stations for the Maokong Gondola?
The Maokong Gondola primarily operates between Taipei Zoo Station (the lower terminal) and Maokong Station (the upper terminal). Intermediate stations include Taipei Zoo South Station and Zhinan Temple Station. Most visitors start their journey at Taipei Zoo Station for convenience, which is easily accessible via the Taipei Metro system.
5. What kind of scenic views can be enjoyed from the Maokong Gondola?
From the Maokong Gondola, visitors can enjoy diverse scenic views. These include expansive vistas of lush green mountains, tranquil tea plantations terraced across the hills, and glimpses of the Taipei cityscape in the distance, particularly towards southern Taipei. On clear days, the panoramic views extend far, offering stunning photo opportunities of the natural landscape and urban sprawl.
6. What are the recommended activities to do in the Maokong area near the gondola stations?
In the Maokong area, visitors can explore numerous tea houses that offer tea tasting experiences and delicious local cuisine, often incorporating tea ingredients. There are also well-maintained walking trails through tea plantations and small temples, such as Zhinan Temple, which is accessible via an intermediate gondola station. Many visitors simply enjoy relaxing and soaking in the peaceful, natural atmosphere.
7. What types of tea culture experiences are offered in Pinglin during the tour?
In Pinglin, the tour focuses on immersing visitors in authentic Taiwanese tea culture. Experiences include learning about the history and cultivation of famous local teas such as Tieguanyin and Wenshan Baozhong. Guests also have the opportunity to participate in a traditional tea tasting session at a local shop, savouring the distinct flavors and aromas of the region's renowned teas directly from expert producers.
8. What is the approximate travel time for the entire Maokong Gondola ride?
The approximate one-way travel time for the entire Maokong Gondola ride, from Taipei Zoo Station to Maokong Station, is typically about 20 to 30 minutes. This duration can vary slightly depending on the operating speed and any brief stops at intermediate stations. A round trip without disembarking at the final station would therefore take roughly 40 to 60 minutes.
