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Last Updated on 27 September 2025 by Vanessa
I found the most adorable spot in Taiwan: Houtong Cat Village.
Between the cat-themed murals, gift shops, and hundreds of cats, it’s one of those places that sticks with you.
Add in its surprising backstory, and you’ve got a destination that’s as interesting as it is adorable.
Here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know about Houtong Cat Village Taiwan. (Lots of photos included!)
Houtong Cat Village: a cat lover’s paradise in the hills of northern Taiwan
In the hills of northern Taiwan, right along the Keelung River, there’s a village that completely stole my heart: Houtong Cat Village.
Once a coal-mining town with over 6000 inhabitants, Houtong (猴硐) is now a thriving, cat-themed tourist destination with over 300 cats that draws visitors from all over the world.
Every corner of Houtong celebrates its feline residents.
Murals cover the walls, shops sell clever cat-inspired souvenirs, and even the background music features playful meows.
Best of all, the stars of the show are everywhere. Cats stretch out on stairways, perch on rooftops, and happily pose for photos like they know exactly why you came.
Are you intrigued?
Then let’s find out more about Houtong Cat Village.
A short history of Houtong cat village
Houtong started out as a busy coal-mining town, but the industry collapsed in the 1990s. As residents left to find work elsewhere, the town’s streets and buildings emptied—but the cats stayed. They moved in, found shelter among the abandoned buildings, and gradually built a thriving community.
In the early 2000s, a small group of volunteers stepped in to care for the growing feline population. They spayed, neutered, and vaccinated the cats, keeping them healthy and preventing overpopulation. Their efforts laid the foundation for Houtong’s transformation into a tourist destination.
The turning point came in 2008, when local cat lover Peggy Chien shared photos of the cats and their caretakers online. The images spread quickly, drawing attention from cat enthusiasts around the world. Visitors started arriving in droves, and Houtong earned its nickname: the “cat village.”
Since then, the village has embraced its new identity. Walls feature cat-themed murals, shops sell cat merchandise, and cats roam freely, greeting visitors with curiosity and charm. What once was a declining mining town has become a unique destination where humans and felines coexist—and where the love of cats drives the village’s character.
Houtong’s story highlights resilience and adaptability—both of its cats and the local community. It shows how a place can reinvent itself, turning emptiness into opportunity and making a little town famous for its feline residents.
Fun fact: Houtong (which you should pronounce Houdong) actually means Monkey Cave in Chinese. The name comes from a time when wild monkeys lived in the hills and caves around the village. They’re gone now, but the name stuck.
Cats everywhere!
The sheer number of cats in Houtong will surprise you.
Most of them are technically strays, but the community takes such good care of them that they feel more like pets. All the cats are also neutered and fully vaccinated.
Some keep their distance when the crowds get big, but plenty are happy to be petted or even play with you if you stick around.
Shops sell cat food and dried fish if you want to tempt a furry friend. However, lots of tourists do the same, so it’s best not to overfeed them, especially since they are filled with salt and additives. Signs throughout the village warn you for this.
Getting around Houtong
Houtong train station
When you arrive at the Houtong train station, you’ll immediately see a map showing the cat village and the old coal mining side.
Exit the station, head right, and climb up to the pedestrian overpass shaped like a cat. It’s a fun way to cross the tracks safely and get your first glimpse of the village below.
Main street
This is where most of the action happens. The street is packed with cat murals, sculptures, and shops selling everything from plush toys to paw-print souvenirs.
Resident cats lounge everywhere—on walls, benches, and flower beds—so don’t be surprised if one hops onto your lap for a quick hello.
Coal mining park
If you want a break from the cats, the Coal Mining Park is just a short walk away. It gives a peek into Houtong’s industrial past with old mining equipment and displays. It’s a quiet corner where you can appreciate the village’s history before heading back to the feline fun.
Cafés and souvenir shops
Scattered around the streets, cozy cafés serve drinks and snacks, many with cat-themed touches like “cat-puccinos” or paw-shaped cookies.
Shops are stuffed with everything from cat-themed purses and notebooks to socks, brooches, keychains, and coasters. It’s very much a shopping paradise for cat lovers.
Residential area
The cats’ “home turf” spreads across the village’s residential streets. Here you’ll find the densest population of felines, wandering freely around houses and gardens. Locals care for these cats, so the area feels lived-in and cozy. Walking through it gives a sense of how the cats really inhabit the village rather than just being tourist attractions.
What else can you do in Houtong?
Houtong might be famous for its cats, but there’s so much more to see and do once you’re here.
Explore Houtong’s mining history
Start by exploring the old mining facilities and museums, which give a fascinating look into what life was like for local miners.
There’s even a train that takes you straight into a tunnel.
It’s a glimpse into the village’s past that feels worlds away from its cat-filled present..
Go on scenic hikes
The hills around Houtong are packed with trails that wind through tunnels, across bridges, and along old railway tracks.
Slip on your hiking shoes, grab a map from the visitor center, and head out.
The countryside is calm and beautiful, and it’s the perfect way to slow down and take it all in.
Cross the Jishou Bridge aka Houtong Cat Bridge
The famous Jishou Bridge between Houtong Train Station and the Cat Village (but everyone just calls it the Cat Bridge) was originally built in 1970 to connect the train station with the village. In 2012, the city renovated it to handle more visitors and celebrate the village’s cat-themed charm.
You can walk across the bridge anytime. From there, you get a great view of the Keelung River, the surrounding hills, and of course, the cats roaming below.
The covered bridge also features subtle cat-inspired designs and doubles as a shelter for cats when it rains.
Relax in cafes and restaurants
After wandering around the village, I suggest you visit one of Hougong’s cozy cafés for tea, coffee, or a Taiwanese snack.
Many spots overlook the hills, so you can relax with good food and a view that makes you want to linger a little longer.
When is the best time to visit Houtong cat village?
The best time to visit Houtong Cat Village depends on the kind of experience you want as each season offers something different. Here’s what to expect year-round.
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Spring: Mild weather, blooming flowers, and cherry blossoms nearby make this one of the most pleasant seasons.
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Summer: Hot, humid, and rainy at times, but lively with festivals and long daylight hours.
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Autumn: Cool, comfortable, and scenic with colorful foliage—arguably the best season to visit.
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Winter: Chilly but cozy, with fewer tourists and the rare chance of snowfall.
It’s worth noting that weekends and holidays tend to be extremely busy in Houtong Cat Village. If you prefer a quiet visit, consider weekdays or non-peak seasons. Overall, though, Houtong Cat Village attracts fewer tourists than Shifen Old Street and Jiufen Old Street, which are both nearby.
How much time do you need in Houtong Cat Village?
Half a day is enough to see the entire village. However, you’ll probably want to stay longer to enjoy the company of the cats and to hike the surrounding areas.
Opening hours
Houtong Cat Village itself is always open. You can wander the streets, see the murals, and of course, meet the cats any time of day.
Shops and cafés, though, usually open around 9:00–10:00 am (sometimes even later, depending on the time of year) and close by 5:00–6:00 pm.
If you want the full experience (souvenirs, snacks, and plenty of cat time), plan your visit during daylight hours.
Entrance fee & tickets
There’s no entrance fee to explore Houtong Cat Village, and you don’t need tickets.
However, certain activities or attractions within the village (such as the museums) do charge a small fee.
It’s also possible to book a guided tour of Houtong Cat Village. These tours include a walk through the village’s murals, visits to local cafés and shops, and stories about the cats and the village’s history.
Book your guided tour to Houtong Cat Village now!
Directions: How to get to Houtong cat village?
The closest airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), about 50 kilometers from Houtong. From there, take a taxi or airport bus to Taipei Main Station.
Then hop on the Yilan train to Houtong Cat Village. The ride takes about an hour, and you’ll arrive right at Houtong train station.
Tip: Check the train schedule before you go. The last train back to Taipei usually leaves around 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time in the village.
Where to stay?
Houtong itself doesn’t have any hotels, but most visitors choose to stay in Jiufen or Taipei.
Explore nearby hotel options here:
Other cat-themed activities in Taiwan
In addition to Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan is teeming with many other cat-centric activities that are worth exploring. For more information, check out the following articles:
- Best cat-centric activities in Taiwan
- Your ultimate guide to cat cafés in Taiwan
- Cat-themed hotels in Taiwan you must see to believe!
Is Houtong cat village worth visiting?
Houtong Cat Village is a one-of-a-kind spot you won’t find anywhere else. For cat lovers, it’s basically paradise—playing with the cats, wandering the streets, and checking out all the cat-themed shops makes for a charming, immersive experience.
Even if cats aren’t your main focus, Houtong still has plenty to offer. You can explore its mining history at the old facilities and museums, hike the scenic trails in the surrounding hills, enjoy local art and culture, or simply unwind in one of the village’s cozy cafés.
So yes—Houtong Cat Village is worth a visit. Whether you love cats, history, nature, or just charming villages, I’m sure there’s something here that will grab your attention.
Final thoughts
If this blog about Houtong Cat Village has you daydreaming about wandering streets full of cats and quirky shops, share this article with your fellow feline enthusiasts. Tag your cat-loving friends and invite them along for the adventure.
Have you ever visited a place that’s completely taken over by cats? Or is Houtong now at the top of your travel list? I’d love to hear which cats you’d want to meet first!
Read Clowders while exploring Houtong Cat Village
If you’re spending a day wandering Houtong Cat Village, the supernatural thriller Clowders by makes a fun companion. It’s set in a village full of cats, just like Houtong, except that this one is haunted, and you definitely don’t want to cross the resident felines.
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