Taipei Zoo - A Wild Sanctuary in the City

🎯 Perfect One-Day Itinerary

1. Morning: Take the MRT to the Zoo Station and start your adventure by exploring the Taiwan Animal Area and the Giant Panda House.
2. Noon: Use the shuttle bus to reach the Highland Exhibition Area, stroll downhill, and enjoy lunch at the dining area along the way.
3. Afternoon: Walk to the Maokong Gondola Station and opt for the Crystal Cabin to ascend the mountain, enjoying views of the forest and tea plantations.
4. Evening: Savor tea at Maokong while admiring the sunset. After nightfall, take the gondola back down to experience both day and night scenery.

⭐️ Tourist Information:

Taipei Zoo, located in Wenshan District, spans 165 hectares and is the largest urban zoo in Asia. It feels like a hidden ecological paradise on the edge of the city, serving as both a home to rare animals and a natural retreat for Taipei residents and visitors.

Upon entering the zoo, you might be greeted by the stars from Sichuan—giant pandas "Yuan Zai" and "Yuan Bao." Their adorable bamboo-munching antics are sure to melt anyone's heart. Following the paths, you'll encounter Taiwan's unique black bears, lively lemurs, giraffes, zebras, and even vibrant tropical birds. The zoo is designed with "native habitats" in mind, featuring eight themed areas: Taiwan Animal Area, Asian Tropical Rainforest Area, African Animal Area, Bird Garden, Amphibian and Reptile House, and more, each offering a unique experience.

For families with children, the Children's Zoo is a must-visit highlight. Kids can interact closely with gentle animals like sheep, rabbits, and guinea pigs, learning about nature while creating joyful memories.

🚍 Shuttle Bus - Effortless Exploration of the Vast Zoo

Taipei Zoo is enormous, and exploring it all in one go can be challenging. Thankfully, the zoo offers shuttle bus services, making it easy to navigate between major exhibition areas. The shuttle bus departs from the entrance and stops at multiple stations, with the highest point reaching the Highland Exhibition Area, saving you plenty of energy.

The recommended approach is to take the shuttle bus to the innermost station and then walk back, enjoying the animals and scenery along the way. While on the bus, you can overlook lush greenery and distant mountains, taking a brief rest in the cool breeze before continuing your adventure. For family trips or travelers with tight schedules, this is a great way to maximize efficiency.

🚡 Maokong Gondola - A Journey of Greenery and Tea Aroma

After visiting the zoo, the day can get even better! Just a few minutes' walk from the zoo, you'll find the Maokong Gondola Station. This 4-kilometer aerial route connects the Zoo Station, the Zoo Inner Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and the final stop, Maokong Station.

For a more thrilling experience, don't miss the "Crystal Cabin"—its transparent floor lets you gaze down at forests, tea plantations, and valleys, offering both heart-pounding excitement and serene immersion in nature. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, or winter mist, each season offers its own charm.

At Maokong, you can enjoy a cup of steaming Taiwanese high mountain tea at a tea house or take a leisurely stroll along the tea plantation trails. Photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss the tea garden's sunset views and Taipei's nightscape. On the gondola ride back, the city lights twinkle like a galaxy, leaving you longing for another visit.

💡 Tips:
• Avoid crowds: The Giant Panda House is less crowded on weekdays; visit in the morning for great photos.
• Seasonal choice: Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities; in summer, opt for morning or evening visits.
• Gondola booking: Weekends can be busy, so book gondola tickets online in advance, especially for the Crystal Cabin.
• Family-friendly: The zoo's paths are smooth and equipped with accessible ramps, making it easy for strollers to navigate.

📌 Summary Information:

🕰️ Operating Hours:
• Taipei Zoo: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Maokong Gondola: Weekdays 9:00 AM–9:00 PM; Weekends 8:30 AM–10:00 PM (closed Mondays, except public holidays)

🏖️ Environment/Facilities:
Spacious natural park, well-maintained paths and rest areas, convenient shuttle buses, family-friendly amenities, and romantic gondola rides with panoramic views.

📍 Address:
No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City (Taipei Zoo)

💰 Average Cost:
• Zoo admission: NT$60 for adults, NT$30 for children aged 6–12
• Shuttle bus: NT$5–NT$10 per ride (depending on route)
• Gondola: NT$70–NT$120 per ride (depending on station and cabin type)