A Cable Journey to the Sky

 Eyes of Maokong Gondola

One of the tourist destinations in Southern Tip of Taipei is Maokong. It became more famous after constructing the Maokong Gondola in 2005 and operated by 2007. The first and highest- altitude Gondola with the elevation from 24.1m to 299.3m, and makes a circuit of four stations.

Taipei Zoo Station

First Station is the Taipei Zoo Station. The most accessible to come here is to take the MRT (Metro) from Taipei, visit Taipei Zoo, or take a bus to a nearest place like Pingxi (Sky Lantern) or Shenkeng (Tofu Street).

Second Station is the Taipei Zoo South Station. I still don't know what to see, maybe for hikers.

The third station is the Zhinan Temple Station. I've been to Zhinan Temple several times, but never been to the other side to some palace.

The last station is the Maokong Station. Maokong has a very nice scenery, lots of tea houses, and trails.

That's me! Enjoying the Eyes of Maokong from the glass floor of Gondola. It's a bit scary to look down. There are two kinds of Gondola, the ordinary one with 8 seats and the glass floor for only 4 persons. It runs in a counterclockwise direction. The cable diameter is 52mm and the pitch of cable is 6.1m. One way ticket to final destination is NT$50 (about US$2).

Skywatch Friday

Scenic Sunday

Straight Out of My Camera Sunday

M is for Maokong in Muzha

Maokong Gondola Station

When taking Maokong Gondola (Cable), the last stop is Maokong Station. Maokong is located in the Southeast corner of Taipei City. Literally, Maokong means "Cat's Hollows". But it has nothing to do with cats. The place is a mountain ranges with its beautiful scenery, and its tea plantation.

What to do in Maokong?

Tea Drinking in Maokong

There are about 70 Tea Houses in 3 zones (yellow, blue, red) in Maokong.

Visiting Temples in Maokong

There are several temples in the area, the photo above is the Zhinan Temple in Red Zone.

Appreciating Tea in Maokong

Maokong has also several Tea Promotion Centers teaching the tourists the differences, the process, and benefits of tea drinking. They also offer free taste of their tea specialization.

Hiking in Maokong

Aside from taking the Maokong Gondola, some people come here for hiking. The whole family can also spend  all day walking in Taipei Zoo.

These are some of the activities in Maokong. I'll come back again and visit the other zones (blue and yellow).

ABC Wednesday - Maokong

Outdoor Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday  - sorry, it it's not Wordless ~ just a summary :)

Visiting Zhinan Temple Station

This is one of the stations worth to see when taking Maokong Gondola (Cable). I've been here several times, but my focus this time is the garden.

From the Temple, this is the way to the garden

Here's a glimpse of the garden, and the station at the back

In another angle, the background is the Temple

This is a trail for hikers, on the right side is another Chinese Gazebo

From the Gazebo, here's the overlooking part of Muzha District, far behind is the Taipei 101.

Ruby Tuesday

My World Tuesday

Rednesday