Tea is an important element of Taiwanese culture and lifestyle. Maokong Mountain, the tea-growing region on Taipei’s doorstep, is the place where tea leaves are grown, processed and sold. Visit this stunning mountainous region, dense with jungle, to enjoy panoramic views of the city and hiking trails that pass through picturesque landscapes and Buddhist temples.

This area was once used to farm camphor, rice, leeks and Paochung tea. Today, tea leaves draw many visitors. Take a tour of the plantations and learn how to make a pot of Taiwanese tea in the traditional manner. Tea shops and traditional teahouses sell many types of the fragrant leaves and offer information about the growing and processing of the product.

Take the gondola to the top of the mountain to enjoy aerial views of Taipei. Relax in a café on the mountain edge and enjoy another cup of tea, looking out at the view, enjoying the breeze, and spotting the many different species of birds and butterflies. Cross wooden bridges over trickling streams and admire ferns, machilus shrubs and acacia trees. Stop in the alley near the gondola station to buy local delicacies such as tempura, corn on the cob, sweet pork sausages, ice cream and glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo.

Visit San Xuan Temple. On the way, pass tombs that face out over the city, and see other Buddhist temples built into caves and behind waterfalls. Walk along the mountain ridge into the open fields. At Niaokeng, spot rare geological formations, known as teapot holes, which are formed by erosion of the rocks in the riverbeds.

Enjoy the mountains for a few hours or the whole day. Hiking is pleasant year-round. Cool mountain air provides a great place to escape the summer heat in the city.

Use the Maokong Gondola to get to Maokong Mountain. The gondola offers views over the region, and stations along the way allow you to get off to explore on foot. You can also take a bus from downtown, or the MRT train to Mucha Zoo. Those who are active can hike or bike from Taipei City.