Maokong Gondola

The Maokong Gondola (perhaps better known as a cable car) is a Taipei 'must do'. This beautiful journey will take you from the Taipei Zoo station to the enchanted village of Maokong, with several scenic stops along the way. Once you have purchased your ticket, you are free to get off and on at each of the stops. The fares for each passenger's journey are based on the number of stations traveled and concessional fares are available to the disabled and seniors aged over 65 years of age. Fares can be paid by purchasing tickets at the Maokong Gondola station, or by swiping the Taipei Metro EasyCard. With each adult ticket purchased, two children are able to travel free and discounts are available for those travelling in groups. Take note that is may be cheapest to purchase the one-day Taipei pass, which allows you unlimited bus and MRT rides, as well as three gondola rides per card - at just $250NTD.

In 2010, thirty of the Maokong Gondola cabins were retrofitted with 48mm thick glass bottoms, to become the premium 'crystal cabins'. Also lovingly labelled the 'Eyes of Maokong Gondola', these cabins have a separate queue and ticket price. The cabins can hold up to five guests, and allow those inside to peer through the glass bottom cars onto the jungle beneath.

At the Maokong village stop, tourists disembark the gondolas to take a short walk around the Maokong Village. From there, tourists take in the view of the Taipei skyline. If preparing for a trip on the Maokong Gondola, be sure to bring your camera and plan for a lazy afternoon.

Take note that the ventilation system of the Maokong Gondla is somewhat lackadaisical, so at midday the Gondolas can become extremely hot and humid. It's best to take these trips at cooler times of day.