Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Hóngmùwū Xiūxián Cháguǎn; 31 Lane 38, Zhinan Rd, Sec 3, 3 38 31; 11am-midnight Tue-Sun;
)
This long-running favourite in the Maokong area has old-style red-brick verandahs
offering excellent views across a green valley. The food here (dishes NT$150-420) is
quite good too, especially the chicken soup (great on a chilly, foggy evening). The tea-
house is down a flight of stairs to the left of a modern road-level cafe owned by the same
family.
To get here, it's just a short walk from the Maokong Gondola Station. There are at
least five other teahouses and cafes in the immediate vicinity.
Yuan Xu Yuan
TEAHOUSE
(Yuán Xù Yuán; 2nd fl, 16-2 Lane 38, Zhinan Rd, Sec 3, 3 38 16-2 2; 11am-2am Tue-Sun; )
Just
a minute's walk downhill from Maokong station, Yuan Xu Yuan is noted for its classical
styling, indoor pond and good city views. It's also the only place with private booths
where you can spread out with cushions and pillows and watch carp swim beneath the
glass flooring. Food is available until 9pm.
Lioujisiang
TEAHOUSE
(Liùjìxiāng Cháfang; 53 Lane 34, Zhinan Rd, Sec 3, 3 34 53; 9am-late)
The owners claim they
run the oldest tea farm in Maokong. Try their namesake
liùjìxiāng
tea (six-seasons fra-
grant). Lioujisiang is a 10-minute walk from Maokong Gondola Station. The arch beside
the teahouse leads to the network of trails.
Getting There & Around
In addition to the gondola, a bike or your own two feet, the Maokong Tour Bus (NT$15)
runs every seven to 15 minutes on weekends and every 15 to 20 minutes on weekdays
from 9am to 10.30pm. Stops include the Taipei Zoo MRT station, Zhinan Temple Station
and Maokong Gondola Station.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Bitan
At the end of the MRT line at Xindian is this stretch of dammed river (Bì Tán, Green
Lake) that has been famous for its rocky cliffs and green waters since the Japanese era.
There is something tender, lush and romantic about the landscape here and it draws in the
