DIY Travel Guide to Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola
Audrey has a soft spot for koalas, pandas, and penguins, so visiting the Taipei Zoo was on our list during our trip to Taiwan. On our second day, we set aside the morning to explore the zoo, followed by a relaxing gondola ride to Maokong, known for its tea culture and beautiful landscapes.
How to get to Taipei Zoo?
Getting to Taipei Zoo is easy, thanks to Taipei’s efficient metro system. Here’s how we got there from our hotel (Greenworld Hotel):
- We started by riding the Bannan Line (Blue Line) toward the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
- At Ximen (BL11), we transferred to the Wenhu Line (Brown Line), heading for Taipei Zoo Station.
- We finally arrived at Taipei Zoo Station (BR01), which dropped us just a short walk from the zoo.
You can also use buses or taxis if you’re away from a metro station, but the MRT system is really convenient and easy to navigate.
Our Experience at the Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo, often called Muzha Zoo, is a massive public zoo in Wenshan District. It’s a leader in animal conservation and education in Taiwan, and it’s one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia, covering a sprawling 165 hectares. About 90 hectares of that space is open to the public, so it’s a lot of ground to cover!
What can you see in Taipei Zoo?
With so many exhibits, seeing everything in one day is tough.
- Flamingo
- Children’s Zoo
- Koala House
- Formosan Animal Area
- Giant Panda House
- Tropical Rainforest Area
- Insectarium
- Australian Animal Area
- Desert Animal Area
- African Animal Area
- Bird World
- Temperature Zone area
Taipei Zoo Map
Since the zoo is so large, we decided to pick out the animals we were most excited about rather than trying to cover everything. Here’s a look at what we saw:
Flamingo Exhibit
This was our first stop and a fun way to start the day.
Koala House
Audrey was thrilled to see these sleepy creatures up close.
Giant Panda House
It is one of the most popular spots in the zoo, and for good reason. The pandas were as cute as expected!
Tropical Rainforest Area
We made a point to visit the Pangolin Dome and check out the capybaras.
Desert Animal Area
We passed by this section and saw the camels. They are so much more prominent in person!
African Animal Area
Here, we saw zebras, giraffes, and the African elephant.
Penguin House
Penguins are always a highlight, and these little guys didn’t disappoint.
Amphibian and Reptile House
We wrapped up our zoo visit here, checking out the snakes and lizards.
We spent about three hours at the zoo, arriving at 9 AM and finishing around noon. Spending a whole day here if you want to explore everything is possible, but half a day was enough for us.
Helpful Tips for Taipei Zoo
- You can rent strollers at the entrance for TWD 150, with a TWD 1,000 deposit.
- Food centers near the entrance, Panda House, and the African Animal Area. Plenty of water fountains around the zoo offer hot, warm, and cold water.
- There are two nursing rooms at the Visitor Center and another near the Amphibian and Reptile House.
- There are 22 public restrooms, all equipped for accessibility and baby changing needs.
Taipei Zoo
Address: No. 30號, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM
Website: https://english.zoo.gov.taipei/
Ticket Prices for Taipei Zoo
- General Admission: NT$100
- Taipei Resident Admission: NT$60
- Discount Admission: NT$50
- Group Admission (30+ people): NT$70 per person
For Kids
- Aged 0-5: Free
- Aged 6-11: NT$50
For more details on tickets, visit here.
Moving On to Maokong
After exploring the zoo, we took a shuttle from the Bird World Station to Taipei Zoo South Station, which cost TWD 5 (kids under 5 ride free).
From there, we boarded the Maokong Gondola, ready to experience the famous tea-growing region of Maokong. The gondola ride is worth it just for the stunning views—you get to see Taipei spread out beneath you, with Taipei 101 in the distance and lush greenery all around.
The gondola ride has four stops: Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. We rode all the way to the last stop, which is where the real fun begins.
We paid TWD 100 each for the ride from Taipei Zoo South Station to Maokong Station, while children aged 0-5 rode for free.
Exploring Maokong
Maokong is known for its tea culture. Once we arrived, our first thought was food.
We were starving after the morning at the zoo, so finding a place to eat was our priority. Our first stop was Kuang Ting Tea Garden, the nearest cafe in the Maokong Gondola Station, where we hoped to grab lunch.
Unfortunately, they were only serving tea and desserts, so we moved on to 山上豆花 黑糖剉冰 燒麻糬 純杏仁茶(天氣不佳，營業時間不定，可電話詢問) however they are only serving desserts.
Eventually, we found a small local spot, Maokong Delicious Food, where we ordered fried rice noodles, stinky tofu, grilled sausage, and grilled cuttlefish balls. It hit the spot after a busy morning!
What to do in Maokong?
Once you step off the gondola at Maokong, you’ll find more than just tea houses (although, of course, the tea is a major draw). Here are some great ways to spend your time:
Click the links below to view their location on Google Maps, read reviews, check out their menu, and browse photos.
Where to eat in Maokong?
Maokong is packed with traditional tea houses where you can sip fresh, locally grown tea while gazing out over the city. It’s a peaceful way to unwind, especially after a busy day.
Click the links below to view their location on Google Maps, read reviews, check out their menu, and browse photos.
- Sih Yeh Teahouse
- Sunyang Tea House
- Lytea
- Kuang Ting Tea Garden
- Maokong Tea House
- 貓空暘臺 MaoKong Yang Tai
- 山上豆花 黑糖剉冰 燒麻糬 純杏仁茶
- 貓空茶言觀舍
- Daguanyuan Restaurant
- Longmen Restaurant
- Shiao Mu Teahouse
- Spring Tea County
- 六季香茶坊
- Morning Tea House
- LAX 慵懶 貓空景觀餐廳 求婚告白 遠眺101 品茶喝茶 寵物友善 聚餐包場
- Mei-Jia Tea Garden
- Yao Yue Teahouse
- Hsiang Fong
- Shan Shui Ke Tea House
- Big Tea Pot
- 目覺北城
- Qing Quan Villa
- Maokong Ching Chuen Square
- Jheng Da Tea Garden
- 貓空 找茶屋 found.your.tea
- Maokong CAFE Alley
- Redwood Tea House
- Lazy Day Cafe
Zhinan Temple and Other Stops Along the Gondola Line
If you’re not in a rush to get to Maokong, there are a couple of interesting stops along the way. The Zhinan Temple Station is worth visiting if you’re interested in exploring the area’s spiritual side. The temple is impressive, and trails like the Monkey Mountain Walkway and Daxiong Palace are nearby. It’s a nice break from the gondola ride, especially if you enjoy a bit of hiking.
What to do in Zhinan Temple Station?
- Dacken Hall Walkway
- Monkey Mountain Walkway
- Daxiong Palace
- Zhinan Temple and Walkway
- Lingxiao Palace
Tips for a Great Day in Maokong
- Bring Water! A lot of walking is involved, and while you’ll find plenty of tea, staying hydrated is key, especially in the warmer months.
- Cash is King. Many smaller teahouses and local food spots may not accept cards, so have some cash.
- Best Time to Visit? Late afternoon is ideal to catch a gorgeous sunset over Taipei. The views from Maokong at dusk are unbeatable!
- The ride from Taipei Zoo to Maokong takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the station. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the ride—especially the glass-bottom cabins!
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