Zootopia Rides the Maokong Cable Car! Maokong Tourism’s New Highlights: Themed Cabins, Stargazing Cinema, and Full Guide

Maokong is entering its peak tourism season for the second half of the year! On the 5th, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism announced a series of exciting events at the Taipei Sky Oasis Viewing Deck. Starting in August with the Stargazing Cinema, the program includes musical performances,文创 markets, and photo zones. From October to November, the 'Taipei Rishan River Public Art Project' will launch, integrating the natural faith of Zhinan Temple, public art installations, and performances by the U-Theatre drum troupe, inviting visitors to take the Maokong Cable Car and experience the unique charm of this mountain town.

Taipei Deputy Secretary-General Yu Zhenhua stated that Maokong has been selected by the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation, as one of the '100 Taiwan Tourism Highlights' for 2026–2027. He emphasized that Maokong offers different surprises across seasons—from summer stargazing and autumn art events to winter-spring flower fields. In the first half of this year, the city completed landscape enhancements such as the lupine fields along the Camphor Tree Trail, newly planted cherry blossoms, and zinnia flower fields. The Taipei Zoo also celebrated its 20th anniversary with the 'Night at the Zoo' series, integrating bamboo shoot harvesting in Laoquan Village and nighttime ecological experiences.

Meanwhile, the Public Transport Office and Maokong Cable Car introduced painted cabins and shuttle buses to continuously improve visitor experiences. Looking ahead, in addition to the Zoo’s 40th anniversary celebrations and the Taipei Rishan River Public Art events, improvement projects for the Camphor Tree Trail and related facilities will be rolled out. At year-end, apricot blossoms and the lupine fields along the Camphor Tree Trail are expected to bloom in succession. Additionally, Wenshan District’s tea industry and green bamboo shoots remain key attractions drawing tourists.

How is Maokong’s collaboration with Zootopia creating a social media buzz?

The Department of Information and Tourism noted that Maokong will continue to host diverse activities this year. The Maokong Cable Car has partnered with Disney’s animated film Zootopia to launch themed painted cabins and limited-edition collector ticket sets, including a Maokong Cable Car one-day pass and a Taipei Zoo admission voucher.

Moreover, each station incorporates movie characters and scenes, allowing travelers to take photos and post online throughout their journey. The experience begins the moment passengers board, blending film, the zoo, and Maokong’s scenic views into a unique adventure.

When will the Stargazing Cinema take place under the stars?

The most anticipated event in August, the 'Stargazing Cinema,' will be held on two consecutive weekends: August 8–9 and 15–16. Co-organized by the Department of Information and Tourism and Taipei Metro Recreation Co., an outdoor cinema will be set up at the 'Taipei Sky Oasis Viewing Deck,' screening the Disney classic animated film Zootopia.

In addition to film screenings, the event site will feature street performer music acts and a micro-market offering文创 and gourmet food. Visitors can enjoy Maokong’s relaxed atmosphere under the night sky and mountain scenery.

On event days, visitors who present their Maokong Cable Car ticket and spend over NT$300 at Maokong商圈 or nearby micro-markets can redeem a limited-entry voucher for the Stargazing Cinema. Additional gifts are available for reaching higher spending thresholds, while supplies last.

What’s new in September? Photo installations and autumn art performances

Starting in September, the Department of Information and Tourism will install themed photo spots at the 'Taipei Sky Oasis Viewing Deck' that reflect Maokong’s imagery, inviting visitors to climb the mountain, take photos, and experience the slow-travel atmosphere of 'Walking Maokong.'

From October to November, the annual highlight 'Taipei Rishan River Public Art Project' will be launched, connecting Zhinan Temple’s century-old Mountain and River Festival, public art installations, tea ceremonies, and local workshops. Through the interplay of art, ecology, and faith, the project showcases Maokong’s profound cultural heritage.

On November 21, a special event titled 'Holding the Light Within' will be held, featuring 300 participants carrying heart lanterns. The U-Theatre will also perform their environmental theater piece 'After the Peach Blossoms.' Those unable to attend can watch the live stream via the Taipei City Government’s official YouTube channel.

What other seasonal experiences does Maokong offer?

The Department recommends visiting Maokong year-round. In spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms at Zhinan Temple, stroll along the thousand-step Bamboo-Cypress Pilgrimage Path, and experience the ancient trees and prayer culture. In summer, guests can join the June-to-September bamboo shoot harvesting experience, pick their own shoots, and savor local dishes, enjoying farm-to-table fun.

Maokong is home to numerous tea restaurants and tea houses where visitors can savor tea culture and specialty tea cuisine amid the forest. At night, they can admire the dazzling city lights of the Taipei Basin, experiencing a tranquil pace of life unlike that of the urban center.

The Department stated that the city will continue to promote Maokong’s tourism activities and environmental preservation, creating a mountain destination that blends nature, ecology, humanities, and art. Visitors are encouraged to follow the 'Walking Maokong' official website, as well as Taipei Travel Net’s Facebook and Instagram pages, for the latest updates.