Ruifang, Taiwan
Houtong Cat Village
A former mining town turned beloved cat village near Taipei.
Before you go
- Midday can feel quieter for cats; late afternoon is often livelier.
About Houtong Cat Village
A former coal-mining town near Taipei that reinvented itself as a cat village. Cat-themed cafes, bridges, and friendly resident cats make it an easy and popular day trip by train.
How to get to Houtong Cat Village
From Taipei Main Station, take a Taiwan Railway (TRA) train toward Yilan / the east coast and get off at Houtong Station (about 1 hour). Some services require a change at Ruifang. The cat village is centered around the station and the Cat Bridge nearby.
Return trains can be less frequent outside peak hours — check the timetable before you go. The village has short hills and uneven paths, so comfortable walking shoes help.
- Start at Taipei Main Station and take a Taiwan Railway (TRA) train toward Yilan / the east coast.
- Ride to Houtong Station (about 1 hour, depending on the train). Some services may require a change at Ruifang.
- Exit Houtong Station and begin around the pedestrian bridge and plaza near the tracks — this is the heart of the cat village.
- Walk both sides of the station area. Cats gather in plazas, along hillside paths, and near shops and cafes.
Location & map
Open in Google MapsHoutong Cat Village Walking Map
This walking map covers Houtong Station, the Cat Bridge, the Cat Village, and the area's coal-mining heritage. Locations are approximate. Please check the latest opening hours and access information before your visit.
Houtong Cat Village Spot Guide
Visited September 2023
I went to Houtong Cat Village in Ruifang, New Taipei, without expecting much — just hoping to take a few photos of cats. But seeing so many of them napping quietly in the plaza, I was really glad I'd come. I've written about it in more detail on the blog.
Return visit · May 2026
This time I walked through the village recording the cats I met with MeowSnap, the iPhone app I released last year. Even in the same place, the way I met cats felt a little different. More details are on the blog.
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