Crystal Cabins
Glass floors.
Smiley.toerist — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Smiley.toerist — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Smiley.toerist — CC BY-SA 4.0
A gondola opened in 2007 that climbs 4 kilometres from Taipei Zoo to the green Maokong hills south of the city, with four stations, over forest, hills and tea farms, run by the Taipei metro system itself. The ride takes about half an hour, showing the city and Taipei 101 in the distance, then wooded valleys. Some cabins have a clear glass floor, called Crystal Cabins, for those who want the forest beneath their feet, with a separate queue. Maokong's tea farms have been known for Tieguanyin and Baozhong teas for over a century, with teahouses on the slopes overlooking the city lights at night and short trails between the fields. One of the best experiences is tea at sunset, then riding down after dark. The gondola usually closes on Mondays for maintenance and stops in high winds and typhoons; sources differ on fares. Taiwan's typhoon season runs from June to October, peaking July to September, so check forecasts before heading to mountains and coasts, per UK travel advice.
Glass floors.
On the slopes.
At night.
Taipei Zoo station, south of the city
Before sunset, for tea in Maokong and city lights after dark; avoid Mondays, when it usually closes for maintenance.