Maokong is located southwest of Getoushi Mountain in Muzha District, outside Taipei. The name "Maokong" derives from the valley terrain surrounding the Tea Research Center. Years of erosion by streams carrying large amounts of sand and gravel have formed circular or oval caves in the streambed. These are known in geology as "potholes" and in the Minnan dialect as "liaokang" (meaning "wrinkled pits"). It wasn't until the Japanese colonial era that the name was changed to the similarly pronounced "Maokong." However, today, Maokong's proximity to the National Chengchi University student area, where student nightlife has prospered, has led to its unique tea tourism industry.
Maokong is world-famous for its Wenshan Baozhong tea and Tieguanyin tea, and is dotted with teahouses of varying styles, creating a charming atmosphere both day and night. During the day, lush green tea trees and mountain views abound, and the many hiking trails offer a popular recreational destination for Taipei residents. After dusk, Maokong transforms into a charming and mysterious beauty, with colorful light bulbs hung in every household. Tea drinkers quietly brew tea, chat, and enjoy the night view, while large groups of young people happily gather for meals and laughs, bringing endless vitality to Maokong.
Walking up the mountain along Lane 34, Section 3, Zhinan Road, we reach a height of over 200 meters, the highest point in Maokong. The views along the way are expansive, and as night falls, a dazzling array of stars and the twinkling lights of countless homes unfold before our eyes, a truly spectacular sight. While enjoying a cup of tea, we can comfortably overlook the nightscape of Greater Taipei, a breathtaking scene of stars and lights intertwining before our eyes.
