Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
wooded sections feel delightfully remote despite Taipei being just over the ridge. There
are trail signs now in English and Chinese, so getting around is pretty safe.
A good two- to three-hour return hike (that intersects with many others to give you an
(Yínhé Dòng Pùbù)
, which you can climb behind via a temple carved into the cliff. From
GOOGLE MAP
up to the ridge, then head straight down. At the bottom head downstream
until you reach the falls. (An easier route starts behind Lioujisiang teahouse and is well
marked.)
Drinking & Nightlife
There are dozens of teahouses in Maokong and most are open from around noon to at
least 10pm (later on weekends) and are closed on Mondays. Typically you pay for a
small packet of tea leaves (NT$300 to NT$800), which is enough for a group of four to
enjoy for hours. You also pay a small 'water fee' of NT$100 to NT$150 per person.
Many teahouses serve food (and coffee and flower drinks) and it's usually no problem
just to have a meal. English menus are common now, as is wi-fi.
Locally grown tea is mostly a type of delightful tightly wound oolong called Tiegua-
nyin (Tiě Guānyīn, Iron Goddess of Compassion). Originally from Anxi in Fujian
province, the tea was introduced to Maokong by Zhang Nai-miao in 1895. The tea is
roasted and has a reddish colour when brewed and a smooth nutty flavour. But you can
find a wide variety of other teas for sale in every teahouse.
Zi Zai Tian
TEAHOUSE
(Zìzài Tián; 27 Lane 45, LaoQuan St, 45 27; 10am-10pm Tue-Sun)
This gem is set inside a re-
modelled traditional stone farmhouse and its leafy outside garden. Packed with old hikers
in the mornings, the teahouse is usually very quiet during the rest of the day and at night.
Set meals are available for $280.
To get to this teahouse by bus, take the Maokong Tour Bus Right Line heading toward
Xinghua Forest.
Red Wood House
TEAHOUSE
