From Taipei: Pinglin Tea Culture and Maokong Guided Day Tour
Sanli, Taipei
Escape the city and explore the essence of tea on a guided tour from Taipei to Maokong and Pinglin. Experience Taiwanese tea culture from seed to cup on this tour that is ideal for tea enthusiasts.
Tea Journey Tour of Taipei's Key Tea Regions
This full-day tour explores Taipei's main tea-growing areas, combining scenic rides, cultural stops, and tea tasting, suitable for tea enthusiasts and cultural travelers.
Highlights
- Explore Taipei's three primary tea-growing regions in one day
- Ride the Maokong Gondola with expansive views of southern Taipei
- Experience the landscapes of Thousand Island Lake
- Learn about Taiwanese tea culture at the Pinglin Tea Museum
- Participate in a Taiwanese tea brewing demonstration by a skilled sommelier
Description
Begin with a ride on the Maokong Gondola, a scenic cable car offering aerial views of southern Taipei's mountains and tea plantations. Once in Maokong, take an easy walk on the Maokong Tea Fragrance Loop Trail and Maokong Zhangshu Trail, passing forest scenery, waterfalls, tea gardens, terraced fields, and ponds.
Visit the Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong, a park-style venue showcasing exhibits on Taiwan's tea development, production, and ecology. After the walk, enjoy free time to sample tea and have lunch (at your own expense) at one of Maokong’s many teahouses, which serve freshly brewed tea alongside local dishes.
In the afternoon, travel to Shiding’s Thousand Island Lake near Feitsui Reservoir for views of the island-dotted landscape, then visit the Bagua Tea Plantation, known for its distinctive Eight Trigrams pattern seen from above. Conclude the tour at the Pinglin Tea Museum, featuring traditional Hokkien-style architecture, tea history exhibits, and a tea brewing demonstration by a sommelier. The tour ends with drop-off at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station.
Includes
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle transfer
- Maokong Gondola ride
- Pinglin Tea Museum entrance ticket
- Taiwanese tea tasting
- Liability insurance
- Bottled water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (private option only)
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Important Information
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- Itinerary sequence and stop durations may change due to traffic or weather
- Each guest may bring one piece of carry-on baggage
- Bring sufficient cash for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips as many stores and eateries do not accept credit cards
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and book in advance especially during weekends and holidays.
