Taipei for Nature Lovers: 5 Peaceful Places to Visit, Taipei, Taiwan

For a busy capital known for night markets, neon lights and the Taipei 101 skyline, we found something we did not expect at all: green spaces filled with birdsong, wildlife, and places that made us slow our pace without trying.

One of the biggest surprises was how easy it is to escape into the mountains at Maokong, just a short MRT ride and gondola trip from the city.

Between sightseeing, eating our way through street food stalls and wandering busy streets, we discovered quiet corners where squirrels darted through the grass, koi carp glided beneath lily pads and hillside tea houses looked out over the city skyline.

If you’re looking for peaceful things to do in Taipei beyond shopping and skyscrapers, these were the places we actually visited to step back from the noise and reset.

Maokong is one of the most searched half-day trips from Taipei for a reason - it is where the city gives way to mountains, tea fields and expansive panoramic views.

We boarded the Maokong Gondola, which took us slowly into the hills high above the city, trading traffic noise for greenery and mountain views. The gentle journey felt part of the experience.

Some gondola cabins have glass floors (the Crystal Cabins), although we were perfectly happy admiring the scenery without looking directly beneath our feet. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).