Seasonal Maokong Lupine Flower Sea | Shenkeng Day Tour | Zhangshu Trail & Maokong Cabin & Shenkeng Old Street | Departing from Taipei
- The only limited-time Lupine flower sea in Taiwan is located in Maokong. It only happens once a year, so don't miss out!
- Quietly enjoy tea in Maokong and feast on delicious food at Shenkeng Old Street, enjoying the slow pace of Taipei's suburbs.
Product Info
－ Attraction Introduction －
- Maokong Lupine Flower Sea (Seasonal: February every year)
As spring arrives and flowers bloom across the land, Taiwan's only lupine flower sea blossoms along the Zhangshu Trail in Maokong. Covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares and stretching nearly 200 meters in length, the area features not only the well-known bright yellow lupines but also rare blue-purple and white varieties, with the blooming season lasting until mid-April.
Other flower seasons: Cosmos (mid-May to mid-June each year) | Sunflowers (September each year)
- Zhangshu Trail
The Zhangshu Trail was once part of a network of trails used for local transport in the Maokong area, and in recent years, it has transformed into one of the most unique and popular hiking trails in the region. When the trail was first planned, it was designed as a gentle path to accommodate both agricultural transport and recreational hiking, making it perfect for visitors of all ages to relax, enjoy the scenery, and explore together. The trail is themed around a rustic rural atmosphere, featuring elements such as acacia charcoal kilns, pigsties, ox carts, tea plantations, ponds, granaries, traditional mud-brick houses, and vegetable gardens. These elements embody the local culture and history, and with the changing seasons, flowers, and crop harvests, the trail presents a diverse and rich appearance that is well worth experiencing.
- Shenkeng Old Street
Shenkeng is a great choice for a half-day trip, offering an escape from the city's commercial districts without being too far away. Known for its clear water and tofu made using a special salt-brine method, its unique smoky flavor attracts many food lovers, earning it the reputation as the 'Furusato' of tofu and driving the prosperity of the old street. Nurtured by the beautiful mountains and waters, and carrying on the pioneering spirit of early settlers, the 'Four Treasures of Shenkeng'—tea, tofu, bamboo shoots, and black pork—have maintained excellent quality and become famous local specialties.
－ Itinerary Information －
- Duration: Approx. 8 hours
- Meeting Time and Location: 09:00 Taipei Main Station East Gate 3
- Vehicle Type: 5-seater car / 9-seater car
－ Itinerary －
- Depart from Taipei Main Station
- Maokong Lupine Flower Sea (Duration: Approx. 60 minutes / Seasonal: February every year)
- Zhangshu Trail (Duration: Approx. 60 minutes)
- Maokong (Duration: Approx. 90 minutes)
- Shenkeng Old Street (Duration: Approx. 2 hours)
- Return to Taipei City
The season is limited in February every year. The only lupine flower sea in Taiwan has the most yellow flowers, but you can come and find out if there are any special purple lupine flowers hidden in it?
In a quiet place in the suburbs of Taipei, you can enjoy tea in Maokong’s tea house comfortably
Go to Shenkeng Old Street, the street presents an antique style, there are many American styles here
Of course, come to Shenkeng Old Street! The famous delicacy you must not miss - stinky tofu! Let's end today's experience with good food
Purchase Notice
- This itinerary provides driver pick-up and drop-off services, provides meals, scenic spot consultation, and does not provide tour guide related services.
- Please be sure to arrive on time at the gathering time of each attraction. If you cannot continue to participate in the itinerary due to personal factors such as being late, no refund will be given. Please note.
- Weather conditions will affect the status of flowers/scenery. Please note that if you cannot see it, no refund will be given. Thank you for your understanding.
- The arrangement of parking spaces shall be selected according to the order of passengers' on-site check-in, and designated seats will not be accepted.
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
If affected by traffic congestion, facility maintenance, etc., the itinerary route or the stay time of each scenic spot will be adjusted, please be informed.
Models are mainly provided on site and cannot be specified.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 2 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- 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 is the estimated walking time for the Camphor Tree Trail?
The Camphor Tree Trail is approximately 1.1 kilometers long and is a gentle, easy-to-walk path. At a relaxed pace, enjoying the scenery along the way, it typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. The trail offers rich landscapes, including tea plantations, terraced fields, ox cart imagery, and a soil and water conservation park, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
2. Who is the Camphor Tree Trail suitable for in terms of age and fitness level?
The Camphor Tree Trail is known for its gentle slope and well-maintained path, with minimal inclines and a wide, safe surface. This makes it highly suitable for visitors of all ages, including seniors, families with children, and those with lower fitness levels. The trail is easy to navigate, offering a relaxed hiking experience for everyone to enjoy the mountain scenery of Maokong.
3. Besides tea tasting, what other recommended attractions or activities are there in Maokong?
In addition to rich tea culture experiences, Maokong offers many attractions worth exploring. You can ride the Maokong Gondola for panoramic views of Taipei City and the surrounding mountains from above. Visit the Chang Nai-miao Tea Master Memorial Hall to learn about the history of Maokong's tea industry, or admire the seasonal flower displays along the Camphor Tree Trail (such as the lupine flowers in February). The area also features numerous specialty restaurants and cafes, providing diverse dining options.
4. When is the best time to see the lupine flowers in Maokong?
The Maokong lupine flower sea is a special seasonal spectacle, typically reaching its peak viewing period around February each year. During this time, golden lupine flowers bloom along the Camphor Tree Trail, creating vast seas of beautiful blossoms. As the flowering period is influenced by weather, it's recommended to check the latest flower status updates before your visit to ensure you witness the most stunning scenery.
5. What is the recommended duration of a visit to Jiantan Old Street, and what are its must-see features?
A visit to Jiantan Old Street is recommended to be around 1.5 to 2 hours, which is sufficient time to sample local delicacies and browse the specialty shops. The old street is famous for its unique stinky tofu dishes, offering not only classic grilled or fried stinky tofu but also many creative tofu preparations. Additionally, you'll find vendors selling traditional snacks, local produce, and distinctive cultural creative products, allowing you to experience a nostalgic atmosphere.
6. Why is Jiantan Old Street's stinky tofu so famous, and what are its unique flavors?
The fame of Jiantan Old Street's stinky tofu stems primarily from the area's exceptionally pure water quality and traditional craftsmanship. Coupled with fermentation using ancient methods, this results in a stinky tofu with a unique texture and rich flavor. Its distinct characteristic is that it 'smells strong on the outside, but is mild on the inside'; after fermentation, the interior retains its soy fragrance and tenderness. When prepared in various ways, such as grilling, steaming, or in spicy broths, it presents a diverse and unique culinary experience.
7. What are the convenient public transportation options from Taipei City to Maokong?
The most convenient way to get to Maokong from Taipei City is to take the Taipei Metro Wenhu Line (Brown Line) to 'Taipei Zoo Station.' From there, you can transfer to the Maokong Gondola, which will take you directly to Maokong. Riding the gondola is not only convenient but also offers aerial views of the surrounding mountains along the route. Additionally, there are bus services available near Taipei Zoo Station that travel to the Maokong area, providing alternative transportation choices.
8. Approximately how long does a one-way ride on the Maokong Gondola take from the starting station to Maokong Station?
A one-way trip on the Maokong Gondola from the starting station, 'Taipei Zoo Station,' to the final destination, 'Maokong Station,' without any intermediate stops, takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The exact duration may vary slightly depending on the gondola's speed (which might be adjusted due to maintenance or strong winds) and whether a Crystal Cabin is used. Overall, it provides a relaxed and enjoyable scenic experience.
