About Houtong Cat Village
Taiwan’s Purr-fectly Charming Feline Town
Tucked into the lush, misty hills of northern Taiwan, Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村) is unlike any place you’ve ever visited. What was once a fading coal mining town has been reborn as a quirky, cat-loving paradise, now one of Taiwan’s most unique and heartwarming tourist destinations.
Located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, just an hour from Taipei by train, Houtong is now home to hundreds of friendly stray cats that roam freely through alleyways, staircases, rooftops, and cafes. These well-cared-for residents are the stars of the village—and they know it. Whether they’re snoozing on windowsills or posing for photos, the cats add charm to every corner of this revitalized mountainside town.
From Coal to Cats
Houtong’s story is one of unexpected reinvention. In the early 20th century, the village thrived as one of Taiwan’s most productive coal mining centers, home to thousands of workers and their families. But when the industry collapsed in the 1990s, Houtong declined rapidly and was almost forgotten.
Everything changed in 2008, when a local cat lover began posting photos online of the stray cats she and other volunteers had rescued and cared for. Her blog attracted a growing fan base, and soon, visitors started pouring in—not for history or scenery, but for cats. The once-abandoned village was suddenly full of life again, this time of the four-legged variety.
What to Expect in Houtong Cat Village
As soon as you step off the train at Houtong Station, you’ll be greeted by whimsical cat-themed signage, murals, sculptures, and even cat-shaped pedestrian bridges. The village has fully embraced its feline identity.
Here’s what to explore:
The Cat Bridge – A covered walkway that safely connects visitors from the train station to the upper village (and the main cat hangouts).
Cat Street – Lined with souvenir shops, cat cafes, snack stalls, and cat-themed decor everywhere you look.
Cat Viewing Platforms – Specially designed areas where cats love to lounge while visitors snap photos.
Old Coal Mining Sites – Including the Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park, for those curious about the town’s industrial past.
Scenic Hiking Trails – Leading into the forested mountains, ideal for those who want a nature break.
Responsible Visiting
Houtong thrives today thanks to the care of volunteers and respect from visitors. Please:
Don’t feed the cats unauthorized food.
Avoid chasing, grabbing, or disturbing them.
Support local vendors and donation boxes that help fund cat care.
Cat Cafés, Souvenirs & Snacks
Don’t miss the cat-themed eateries and coffee shops throughout the village, many of which have resident cats who may decide to sit on your table (or lap). Local vendors sell all things feline—postcards, magnets, keychains, plush toys, and handcrafted trinkets. You’ll also find traditional Taiwanese snacks and tea, perfect for a relaxed afternoon with a furry companion nearby.
Best Time to Visit
Time: Visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and get more uninterrupted time with the cats.
Duration: Half a day is enough for most visitors, but cat lovers may want to linger longer.
Houtong Cat Village is more than just a cute photo op—it’s a shining example of community revival through compassion. A village once lost to industrial decline has found new life through its most unlikely ambassadors: cats.
Whether you’re a hardcore cat lover, a curious traveler, or just looking for a unique half-day trip from Taipei, Houtong will leave paw prints on your heart.
How to get to Houtong Cat Village
From Taipei: Take a local train from Taipei Main Station to Houtong Station on the Yilan Line. The journey takes about 50–60 minutes.
Tickets: No reservation needed; trains run frequently throughout the day.
On Arrival: Just follow the paw prints and cat signs—they’ll lead you right into the heart of the village.
One-Day Itinerary
One-Day Itinerary: Houtong Cat Village & Jiufen Old Street
This is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei, offering a unique mix of whimsical charm (Houtong) and cultural nostalgia (Jiufen). Ideal for cat lovers, foodies, photographers, and first-time Taiwan travelers.
🕘 9:00 AM – Depart Taipei for Houtong
From: Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station
Take: A local train on the TRA Yilan Line
To: Houtong Station
Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
🎟️ No reservation required, but arrive early to get a seat.
🐱 10:00 AM – Arrive at Houtong Cat Village
Welcome to Taiwan’s feline paradise! This former coal mining town has reinvented itself as a haven for cats—and the humans who love them.
🐾 Things to do:
Cross the Cat Bridge into the cat village area
Meet dozens of free-roaming (and well-cared-for) cats
Visit cat-themed souvenir shops, cafes, and art installations
Grab a drink at a cat café while cats lounge nearby
Explore remnants of the Houtong Coal Mine, like the ecological park or mining tunnels
⏰ Suggested Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
🧴 Tip: Don’t bring outside food for the cats; many locals help care for them through donations and proper feeding stations.
🚌 12:00 PM – Travel to Jiufen Old Street
Option 1 (Public Bus): Walk 5 minutes to the main road and take bus 808 or 1062 from Houtong to Jiufen (30–40 min)
Option 2 (Taxi): A quicker and more comfortable 15-minute ride (~NT$200–300)
Option 3 (Private shuttle): Great for small groups or families
🍜 12:30 PM – Lunch at Jiufen Old Street
Once a gold mining town during the Japanese era, Jiufen is now a maze of cobblestone lanes, red lanterns, nostalgic teahouses, and bustling street vendors perched on a mountain ridge.
🍽️ Food to try:
Taro ball dessert (芋圓)
Herbal rice cakes (草仔粿)
Grilled squid
Peanut ice cream rolls
Fish ball soup
🏮 1:30 PM – Explore Jiufen’s Historic Alleys
Take your time wandering through the main street (Jishan Street) and hidden stairways (like Shuqi Road) that lead to photogenic corners and ocean views.
📸 Don’t Miss:
A-Mei Teahouse (阿妹茶樓) – the iconic tea house that inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away
Jiufen Teahouse – a peaceful place to enjoy high-mountain oolong with a view
Shengping Theater – Taiwan’s oldest movie theater
Gold mining history museum nearby in Jinguashi if time allows
⏰ Suggested Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
🌅 4:30 PM – Sunset Views Over the Sea
Stick around to catch the famous sunset over Keelung Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. As the red lanterns light up and fog rolls in, Jiufen transforms into a magical, misty mountain town.
🧧 Evening tip: Buy a few local snacks or handmade souvenirs before the stalls start closing around 6:00 PM.
🚌 6:00 PM – Return to Taipei
By Bus: Take Bus 1062 (bound for Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT) or 965 (to Banqiao via Xinyi)
By Train: Optionally, return to Ruifang Station and take a TRA train back to Taipei
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic
Summary of Your Day Trip
9:00 AM Depart Taipei by train
10:00 AM Explore Houtong Cat Village
12:00 PM Head to Jiufen Old Street
12:30 PM Lunch + snack crawl in Jiufen
1:30 PM Tea house visit + street exploration
4:30 PM Sunset view + souvenir shopping
6:00 PM Return to Taipei
Transportation Guide for Your Houtong + Jiufen
Here’s a detailed transportation guide for your Houtong + Jiufen day trip from Taipei, including step-by-step directions, estimated costs, and transit tips:
🚉📍 Transportation Guide: Taipei → Houtong → Jiufen → Taipei
🛤️ Part 1: Taipei → Houtong Cat Village
🚆 By Train (TRA – Taiwan Railways)
Departure Station: Taipei Main Station / Songshan Station
Train Line: TRA Yilan Line (宜蘭線) – local or semi-express
Destination Station: Houtong Station (猴硐站)
Duration: ~50–60 minutes
Fare: ~NT$60 (US$2)
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
🐱 TIP: When you arrive at Houtong Station, follow the paw-print signs or take the Cat Bridge to cross to the upper village area.
🚐 Part 2: Houtong → Jiufen Old Street
🚖 Option 1: By Taxi
Travel Time: ~15 minutes
Cost: ~NT$250–300
Pickup Location: Houtong Station front exit or roadside
Pro: Fast, comfortable, and easy if traveling in a group
🚌 Option 2: By Bus
From Houtong to Jiufen:
Bus 808, 827, or 1062
Board: Outside Houtong Station (walk 3–5 mins to the main road)
Alight: Jiufen Old Street stop (九份老街)
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Fare: NT$30–50 (EasyCard accepted)
📱 Use Google Maps or Taiwan Bus app for real-time schedules. Some buses only stop on request—wave to signal.
🚍 Part 3: Jiufen → Taipei
🚌 Option 1: Direct Bus 1062
Route: Jiufen → Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station (Taipei)
Board: Bus stop near Jiufen Police Station (九份派出所)
Duration: ~1.5 hours (depends on traffic)
Fare: NT$100 (EasyCard accepted)
Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
🚆 Option 2: Jiufen → Ruifang → Taipei (Train + Bus/Taxi)
Take a taxi or local bus (788 or 827) from Jiufen to Ruifang Station
Time: ~15 minutes
Cost: NT$80–150
From Ruifang Station, take a TRA train back to Taipei Main Station
Time: ~50 minutes
Cost: ~NT$50–65
🚦 This route is useful during peak traffic times when Jiufen-Taipei buses are delayed.
🎟️ Travel Essentials
EasyCard or iPASS: Highly recommended for seamless bus/train rides.
Google Maps: Accurate for Taiwan transit; shows bus numbers, times, and walking directions.
Cash: Some buses don’t provide change. Always carry a few coins and NT$100 bills.
Apps:
Taiwan Railways (TRA) for train times
Taiwan Bus or Bus+ for live bus tracking