Hiking in Taiwan in September? Only for Heat-Resistant Adventurers
After settling in as an exchange student in Taiwan and just before my university courses commenced, it was time to catch a first glimpse of the mountains surrounding Taipei. However, there was a small hurdle to overcome: In September, Taipei’s weather turns scorching, and venturing outside can feel like stepping into a sauna due to the humidity. Thus, hiking is not very comfortable. Fortunately, there is a solution. Near my dorm, the famous Maokong Gondola has its starting point, which takes visitors up the mountain. Our group consisted of four students, including two Taiwanese friends who had previously embarked on this journey and were well-acquainted with the terrain.
Riding the Maokong Gondola – First mountain views as an exchange student in Taiwan
The Maokong Gondola, Taipei’s first high-altitude gondola, began operating in July 2007. It is situated on the outskirts of the city, adjacent to the Taipei Zoo. Covering a total distance of 4.03 kilometers, this gondola journey offers passengers the opportunity to embark and disembark at four distinct stations: Taipei Zoo Station at the base, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station at the summit. During the ride, the gondola turns several times, providing changing scenery and perspectives. Initially, it glides over lush forests and meandering rivers, later passing by the Zhinan Temple, before providing its passengers a view of the city’s majestic skyscrapers. We chose to ride the entire length of the Maokong Gondola at once, as we planned to spend the afternoon atop the mountain. The views were already captivating and diverse, setting high expectations for the mountain panorama.



At the top of Maokong
Upon reaching Maokong Station, the final stop, we disembarked from the gondola. Several tea houses and restaurants could be found at the mountain’s peak, a result of the area’s reputation for tea cultivation. My Taiwanese friends had a specific restaurant in mind for our meal. After a brief stroll from the gondola, we arrived at the place and were promptly seated at our table. The view from our vantage point was nothing short of spectacular. It afforded us a panoramic vista of the entire city and the encircling mountains. Soon after our arrival, the locals ordered an array of different dishes for us to share. The food was exceptionally delicious, an experience we would never have had on our own. As we shared the food and chatted, the sun began its descent, casting the entire landscape in warm hues of orange and yellow. Watching the sun disappear behind the city’s mountains was a truly remarkable spectacle. After spending a few hours at the restaurant, we boarded the gondola for the return trip to its starting point at the mountain’s base. With the city illuminated, the journey offered a fresh perspective, showcasing the metropolis coming alive during the night.



