Houtong Cat Village - New Taipei, Taiwan
I first heard about Houtong Cat Village from a friend, and after looking into it, I learned it was once a thriving coal mining town. I arrived by train, and as soon as I got to the waiting area at Houtong Station, I noticed cat-themed decorations everywhere—and even a few station cats lounging on benches. I spent some time photographing them, enjoying their leisurely presence before leaving the station.
As I wandered through the town, I saw many stray cats, all clearly well cared for by the locals. Cat houses, clean water, and food were thoughtfully placed near shops and in designated areas, making the village feel welcoming for both residents and visitors alike.
Since it was raining heavily, I ducked into a few shops, each with its own resident cat. It was delightful to watch them interact with customers, lounging on counters or following people around. After exploring for a while, I stopped at a cat café for a light lunch, served on a cat-themed plate that added playful charm. The café even had an information sheet on the wall listing the cats’ names and personalities.
Unfortunately, the coal mining park was closed for maintenance, but I still walked around the exterior and saw the old coal carts used during the town’s industrial heyday. After soaking in the unique blend of history and feline charm, I caught the next train to my next destination, Shifen.
Even in the rain, Houtong was a surprisingly peaceful and whimsical escape, offering a glimpse into Taiwan’s mining past while celebrating its love of cats.
Background
Houtong was once a bustling coal mining town, flourishing during Taiwan’s mining boom in the early 20th century. After the decline of the coal industry, the town’s population dwindled, and many buildings were abandoned. Today, it has been revitalized as Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村), a tourist attraction centred around its large population of well-cared-for cats. The village combines industrial heritage with whimsical feline culture, with cat houses, themed cafés, and decorations throughout the town, drawing visitors from across Taiwan and beyond.
Getting There
Houtong is easily accessible from Taipei by train. Take the TRA Pingxi Line or a train from Taipei Main Station toward Ruifang, transferring if necessary to a local train stopping at Houtong Station. The journey takes roughly 1–1.5 hours, depending on connections.
Once at the station, the village is immediately accessible on foot. Most of the attractions, cafés, and cat areas are within a short walk, making it ideal for a half-day visit.
Route Overview
Distance: 3.13 km out & back (Houtong Station)
Total elevation gain: 96 m
Duration: 1 hr 13 min (with breaks 1 hr 30 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Taipei Station → Houtong Station — NT$83
Souvenir: NT$270
Food: NT$300
