Maokong is an area southwest of Getou Mountain in the Muzha District, on the outskirts of Taipei. Maokong refers to the lands in the valley around the Tea Research Center. One can see potholes in the area's streams, which are the erosional result of swirling sand and gravel. These formations are called "Lokang" (wrinkled hole) in the Taiwanese language. Japanese authorities during the colonial era gave it a similar-sounding name of Maokong. The area's closeness to National Chengchi University led to economic development, as students would often visit in the evening. This helped spur Maokong's very special brand of tea tourism.
The tea farms here are famous for Bouzhong tea and Taiguan Ing. There are many teahouses with diversified styles. They are good places to visit no matter during day or night. In the daytime, there are tea trees and hills forming green scenery. Many citizens visit the place by taking the mountain tracks. After dusk, Maokong is like an enchanting, mysterious lady. Colorful light bulbs are lit in front of every building. Visitors taste tea, chat with each other and admire the nightfall. Sometimes groups of young people have parties and the laughter brings a touch of vigor to Maokong.
The tea farms (open for sightseeing) are scattered around Lane 34, 38, 40 of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3, and the former half of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3. Most tea farms provide tea tasting or meals. Recently, the sightseeing industry blooms here. Many residents develop other means of livelihood other than tea farming. For example, they raise mountain chickens or provide country cuisine. Visitors coming here may also want to try the delicious dishes.
Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin Tea and Baozhong Tea:
What, actually, do the famous Tieguanyin and Baozhong teas of Muzha look like? How are they grown? In what manner should one brew the teas to bring out their optimal flavor? All the answers can be found at the Promotion Center currently managed by the Liu-Kung Agricultural Foundation.
The Promotion Center includes a display area, an instructional area, an ecological pond and so on. The display area includes information regarding the tea manufacturing process, the proper way to brew it and the way to store it. The center also provides information concerning the distribution of Taiwanese teas and lectures on the art of tea for the tea novice. While appreciating the diverse variety of plants and flowers cultivated in the outdoor instructional area, one also acquires an understanding of the importance of land and water preservation.