Taipei: Zoo Entrance Ticket

Visiting Taipei Zoo and riding the Maokong Gondola makes for a rewarding day, especially if you’re seeking a blend of nature, wildlife, and local culture. For just around $4.33 per person, this combo ticket offers access to Asia’s largest zoo, home to over 400 species of animals, plus a scenic 30-minute cable car ride up Maokong Mountain.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it combines educational animal encounters with breathtaking panoramic views. The zoo’s expansive enclosures allow you to get close to pandas, koalas, and giraffes, while the gondola offers a relaxing journey over lush greenery and tea plantations.

A potential drawback is that you’ll need to redeem your tickets at two different locations, which might require some planning and walking. But if you’re organized, this small hassle is well worth the immersion into Taipei’s natural and cultural landscape. This tour suits families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a practical, yet memorable, outing that balances fun with education.

Key Points

• Diverse Wildlife: Home to over 400 species, including pandas and koalas
• Scenic Gondola Ride: Enjoy 30 minutes of panoramic views with a glass-bottom cabin
• Flexible Combo: Ticket includes entrance to both the zoo and gondola, offering great value
• Authentic Experience: Perfect for families and travelers wanting an educational, fun day
• Logistics: Redemption at two locations; plan for some walking
• Price: Very affordable at just over four dollars per person

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola Experience

Exploring Asia’s Largest Zoo

Starting at Taipei Zoo’s Main Entrance, you’ll notice it’s a well-laid-out space designed for both leisure and learning. With over 400 species, the zoo offers a broad view of global wildlife, from native Taiwanese pandas and koalas to giraffes, hippos, lions, and penguins. The zoo’s emphasis on conservation and education shines through as you walk past informative signs and well-designed enclosures.

One review notes, “Great zoo. Nice variety of animals in wide open spaces,” emphasizing how the zoo prioritizes animal comfort and space. The enclosures are large enough that some animals, like the bird cages, allow for a more natural, less confining experience. Visitors can expect to spend a few hours wandering comfortably through different sections, making it suitable for children and adults alike.

What Makes the Zoo Special?

The zoo isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s about experiencing how they’re cared for and what makes each species unique. For example, the pandas are a major draw, but you’ll also find a dedicated area for insects, kangaroos, and flamingos. The overall layout encourages a family-friendly, leisurely pace, which allows for plenty of photo opportunities and close-up encounters.

Redeeming Your Ticket

Keep in mind that your entrance ticket is redeemed at the Taipei Zoo Main Entrance by scanning your QR code. This process takes just a few minutes but requires you to be present at the designated redemption area, which is a short walk from the MRT Taipei Zoo Station.

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The Scenic Maokong Gondola Ride

After exploring the zoo, your next highlight is the Maokong Gondola, located at the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo South Station. The gondola is Taipei’s first cable car system, and the 30-minute ride offers spectacular views of Tea plantations, the city skyline, and mountain scenery. The gondola cabins feature glass bottoms, giving an almost surreal view of the landscape below, which you’ll love if you’re a fan of unique perspectives.

Why the Gondola Matters

Reviews commend the gondola ride for its scenic beauty and the expertise of the guides. One traveler said, “We loved the way the gondola slowly climbs up Maokong Mountain, giving us a chance to admire the lush greenery and distant city views.” The ride is smooth, relaxing, and offers plenty of opportunities to take photos without the crowds.

Visiting Maokong’s Tea Culture

Maokong is also famous for local tea plantations, making it a perfect spot to relax after the ride. While this experience doesn’t include a tea tasting, many visitors find the views and fresh mountain air enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Practicalities and Tips

• Opening hours for the zoo are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly.
• Remember, redeeming the tickets at two different locations means some walking and organization—so arrive early if you want to maximize your time.
• The combo ticket offers flexibility—you can choose to do just the zoo or include the gondola on your trip.

Authenticity and Value

This tour scores well with travelers, with reviews praising the variety of animals and the beauty of the gondola ride. One reviewer said, “Very interesting for both children and adults,” highlighting its family-friendly appeal. The price point makes it an excellent value, especially given the diverse activities packed into a single ticket.

Who Would Benefit Most?

This tour is ideal for families seeking a fun, educational outing. It’s also perfect for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture wildlife and scenic mountain views. If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized, budget-friendly activities that combine animal conservation with local culture, you’ll find this experience highly rewarding.

For travelers with limited time in Taipei, this combo provides a comprehensive snapshot of both urban and natural life. Plus, the scenic ride up Maokong Mountain makes this a memorable highlight, especially if you enjoy panoramic vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to purchase your combo ticket online to ensure availability and avoid lines, especially during peak times.

Can I redeem my tickets at the same location?
No, the zoo and gondola tickets are redeemed separately—at the Taipei Zoo Main Entrance and Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo South Station respectively. Plan for some walking between these points.

Is the gondola ride suitable for children?
Absolutely. The gondola’s gentle ride and glass-bottom cabins are engaging for kids, and the scenic views are suitable for all ages.

What is included in the combo ticket?
The standard combo includes entry to Taipei Zoo and a 30-minute gondola ride. You can also opt for a Maokong Gondola Day Pass if available.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water are advisable. If you want to take photos, bring your camera or smartphone with good battery life.

Is there parking available?
The tour information doesn’t specify parking, but Taipei Zoo is accessible via MRT, which might be more convenient.

Final Words: Is This Experience Worth It?

In our view, this combo ticket offers remarkable value for anyone wanting a balanced day of wildlife and natural scenery in Taipei. The diversity of animals, combined with the scenic gondola ride over lush mountains, makes for a memorable outing that balances education and relaxation.

Whether you’re traveling with family, exploring solo, or visiting as part of a larger itinerary, this experience fits well into most schedules and budgets. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate authentic encounters with nature without spending a fortune.

While the ticketing process involves some organization—redeeming tickets at two different points—this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the beautiful sights and engaging activities you’ll enjoy. We recommend arriving early to maximize your visit, and perhaps pairing this tour with other nearby attractions for a full day of Taipei exploration.

To sum it up, if you’re after an affordable, well-rounded experience that combines animal encounters with spectacular views, this Taipei zoo and gondola combo is a wise choice. It’s authentic, educational, and offers plenty of moments worth remembering.

You can check availability for your dates here: