About this experience
This full-day tour to Maokong and Pinglin from Taipei is a unique opportunity to gain insight into Taiwanese tea culture from seed to cup. Hike the Maokong Tea Fragrance Loop Trail, then learn about the evolution of Taiwanese tea at the Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong. Complete the experience with a visit to the Bagua Tea Plantation and indulge in a local tea tasting in Pinglin.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Meet at Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station
8:30 AMMake your own way to Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station for an 8:30 AM start.
Maokong Gondola ride
9:00–9:30 AMBoard the gondola for aerial views over southern Taipei as you ascend towards the tea hills.
Tea Fragrance Loop Trail or Zhangshu Trail
9:30–10:30 AMStroll through Maokong's hillside tea gardens on a scenic walking trail with views across the valley.
Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong
10:30–11:00 AMDiscover the history and cultivation of two of Taiwan's most iconic teas at this dedicated promotion centre.
Maokong panoramic viewpoint and lunch
11:00 AM–12:00 PMTake in sweeping views of the Taipei Basin, then enjoy a free-time lunch at a local restaurant of your choice.
Thousand Island Lake
1:10–1:50 PMA scenic detour to one of northern Taiwan's most photogenic reservoir landscapes.
Bagua Tea Plantation
2:00–2:30 PMWalk the terraced rows of this working plantation and see how tea is cultivated at scale in the Pinglin hills.
Pinglin Tea Museum of New Taipei City
3:00–3:50 PMA guided visit to learn the full story of tea processing — from fresh leaf to finished product — in one of Taiwan's finest dedicated museums.
Tea tasting at a local Pinglin shop
4:00–4:50 PMSit down with a local tea master for an unhurried tasting of the region's finest Wenshan Baozhong and other varieties.
Return to Taipei
Depart 4:50 PM, arrive ~6:00 PMTravel back to the city with drop-off at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station.
Meeting point
Exit 2, Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station, Section 1, Xinsheng South Road, Da'an District, Taipei City
Meet your guide at Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station at 8:30 AM. The tour departs promptly, so please arrive a few minutes early. At the end of the day, you'll be dropped off at Taipei 101 (Xinyi Shopping District) or back at Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for trail hiking
- Weather-appropriate clothing (the trails can be cool in the morning)
- Your booking confirmation (mobile or printed)
- Cash or card for lunch and any personal purchases
Good to know
Know before you go
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Frequently asked questions
Where exactly do I meet the guide?
At Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station at 8:30 AM. It's a straightforward MRT journey from most central Taipei hotels.
Is lunch included in the tour?
No — there's a free-time lunch break at Maokong from around 11:00 AM to noon. There are local restaurants nearby, and you'll pay for your own meal.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. If you're bringing a child under 2, contact the tour operator after booking to discuss participation and any applicable fees.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or individuals with physical disabilities, due to the nature of the trail walking and site access.
Is commentary available in Japanese?
Yes — Japanese-language commentary is available on Wednesdays. All other days, the tour operates in English (and potentially Mandarin — confirm with the operator at booking).
Can the itinerary change on the day?
The order or timing of stops may be adjusted due to weather or traffic conditions, but the core experiences — gondola, tea trails, museum, and tasting — remain the same.
Free cancellation.Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancel in time for a full refund.