Day Trip to Houtong Cat Village
A must visit for cat lovers, the cozy Houtong Cat Village in Ruifang District is overrun with literally hundreds of adorable felines. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon in furry company, and it’s just a train ride away from Taipei!
Set alongside the Keelung River, this former coal mining town experienced a revival in 2008 when a local resident began taking in abandoned kitties. After a growing number of volunteers posted pictures of the town’s efforts to care for stray cats, visitors took notice and kickstarted a tourist industry.
The cats come in all sizes, colours, and personalities, but most are approachable because they’re used to friendly people. They can be found lounging on tables and ledges, leaping between rooftops, sleeping in flower pots, playing on staircases, and rolling around on their backs in absolute bliss. Most hang out among the hillside cottages next to the train station.
The entire village is cat-themed, with dozens of shops, cafes, and restaurants decorated to celebrate the cute inhabitants. You can find pretty much any cat-related product imaginable, from clothing to housewares to souvenirs. There’s also a range of food options, including local noodles and western sandwiches. Take your time wandering along the winding pathways and staircases for some quality time with the kitties, and settle down for a coffee and waffle in one of the many quaint cafes.
Once you’ve had your fill of the cats and the crowds, you can check out the creepy remains of a shinto shrine on the opposite side of the train station, follow a hiking trail up the side of the mountain, or learn about the town’s mining history at one of the small museums. There’s even a cart ride that will take you deep into an old mining tunnel.
The Houtong Cat Village is easily accessible from the city and absolutely worth a visit. Just ride the Yilan line from Taipei Main Station for about an hour and get off at Houtong Station. The village is right next to the train platform – you’ll be surrounded by kitties in no time. Who could resist these faces?
What’s the vibe?
Quiet cafes in a tranquil village that can be busier on weekends with tourists trying to snap the perfect cat photo.
Worth it?
Yes.
We had a very pleasant afternoon petting cats, sipping on tea, and meandering through the peaceful streets. Getting there was not difficult or overly time consuming.
Would you go back?
Yes.
We love kitties!
Visited: September 2017
| Houtong Cat Village |
| Chinese Name: 猴硐貓村 |
| Hours: 8am – 6pm |
| Visitor’s Information Centre Phone: 02 2497 4143 |
