Maokong & Shilin Light Travel Adventures – Come Enjoy a “Apricot”-tastic Trip in Taipei

▲ Taipei City offers special one-day tours to Muzha’s Maokong and two-day trips to Shilin during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism, the same applies below)

By Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

With six consecutive days off during the Lunar New Year holiday, where should you go? If you don’t want to travel abroad or go too far, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism has specially launched two tour routes: the “Maokong Flower Viewing & Tea Tasting Day Tour” and the “Shilin Family Fun Two-Day Light Trip,” allowing families to have a blast exploring Taipei without breaking the bank.

Wang Shijia, head of the Urban Tourism Division at the Department of Information and Tourism, said that during the Lunar New Year season, as spring warms the earth and flowers bloom, especially in February, the apricot blossom woods in Maokong are covered in blooming flowers. Along Laoquan Street, not only are the apricot blossoms in full glory, but they are also interspersed with delicate cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque view perfect for a family outing. After flower viewing, visitors can enjoy specialty tea dishes and tea tasting right at the Maokong teahouses, then visit the zoo afterward. During the New Year period, the zoo features animal mascots greeting the public and even has “Formosan serow” handing out red envelopes at the entrance, limited to the first 500 visitors. In the evening, head to Songshan’s Wufenpu for some new clothes shopping, then visit the Songshan Ciyou Temple to pray for peace and safety, and finish the day with authentic street food at the Raohe Street Night Market.

The two-day-one-night light trip in Shilin starts with the Shilin Children’s Amusement Park, followed by a delicious feast at the Shilin Night Market in the evening—scallion pancakes, pan-fried buns, and grilled meat rolls are all great choices. The next day is a deep dive into history and culture: start the morning with a date with historical relics at the National Palace Museum, then in the afternoon take a stroll through Zhishan Park to admire its well-preserved cultural monuments. Finally, hop on a YouBike and enjoy a breezy ride around the Shuangxi Riverside Park, taking in the scenic views along the Keelung River to wrap up the long holiday on a perfect note.

Note that operating hours for various exhibition venues may be adjusted during the Lunar New Year period, so visitors are advised to check in advance before heading out.

▲ The apricot blossom woods in Muzha are currently in full bloom.

▲ Wufenpu.

▲ Shilin Children’s Amusement Park.

▲ Zhishan Park.