Houtong Cat Village Taiwan
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Houtong Cat Village Taiwan

4.3
·14k reviews·, Taiwan

A former coal mining town transformed into a feline paradise, where cats outnumber people and charm visitors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more active cats

CrowdLow
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Houtong Cat Village Taiwan

Houtong Cat Village Taiwan

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more active cats

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A former coal mining town transformed into a feline paradise, where cats outnumber people and charm visitors.

4.3
(14k reviews)

"A must visit for cat lovers! Lots of cats just lying around, well fed and taken care of."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Respect the Cats' Space

Some cats are friendly, others need space. Observe their cues and avoid forcing interaction.

🚆 Train to Houtong Station

Easy train access from Taipei. The village is just across the tracks via a bridge.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 14,197 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Feline Residents

The Feline Residents

Hundreds of friendly cats roam freely, offering endless photo opportunities and cuddles.

Instagram
Cat-Themed Shops & Cafes

Cat-Themed Shops & Cafes

Browse adorable cat merchandise and enjoy a coffee surrounded by feline charm.

Instagram
Coal Mining History Museum

Coal Mining History Museum

Discover the village's past as a major coal producer.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Feline Residents

Houtong Cat Village is a former mining town now teeming with friendly cats. Respect their space, and consider buying treats from local shops to make new furry friends! Instagram

Timing is Key for Cat Encounters

While cats are always present, they might be more active and visible during cooler parts of the day. Avoid the hottest hours to see them lounging and playing. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more active cats
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Cats may be more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

cat’s got better vocals than me 😫🐱#mustsharenews #tiktoksg #sgnews #taiwan
@mustsharenews
927.8K likes • 6.8M views

🐾 Respect the Cats' Space

Some cats are friendly, others need space. Observe their cues and avoid forcing interaction. InstagramReddit

🚆 Train to Houtong Station

Easy train access from Taipei. The village is just across the tracks via a bridge. InstagramReddit

📍Jiufen Old Street | One of my favourite tourist spots in Taiwan! Definitely worth the visit especially for Studio Ghibli fans 🍵🏮#taiwan🇹🇼 #taiwantiktok #taiwantravel #taiwanlife #taipei #taipei_taiwan #jiufen #jiufenoldstreet🏮 #diytravel #travelitinerary #traveltiktokvideos #studioghibli #studioghiblifilms #spiritedaway
@lemvinluan
194.1K likes • 1.7M views
📍Houtong Cat Village in Taiwan Cat lovers paradise!! #taiwan #taiwantravel #catvillage #houtongcatvillage #houtong
melaurale
19K likes • 275.8K views

🛍️ Cat Treats for Friends

Buy local cat treats to entice friendly felines, but be mindful of feeding signs. InstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Moments

The village offers many picturesque spots for cat photography. TikTok

Could you believe that this kind of place exists in Taiwan?🐈 - Yes, there are hundreds of cats that call this place home and you can also pet them too☺️ - 📍Houtong Cat Village 猴硐貓村 - Send this to your travel buddy🫶 - #discovertaiwan #catvillage #exploretaiwan #visittaiwan #taiwantrip
taiwanvisuals
8.1K likes • 214.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Respect the Cats' Space

Some cats are friendly, others need space. Observe their cues and avoid forcing interaction. InstagramReddit

🚆 Train to Houtong Station

Easy train access from Taipei. The village is just across the tracks via a bridge. InstagramReddit

🛍️ Cat Treats for Friends

Buy local cat treats to entice friendly felines, but be mindful of feeding signs. InstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Moments

The village offers many picturesque spots for cat photography. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Taiwan can be hot and humid; carry water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit for cat lovers, offering a charming experience with numerous friendly felines and unique cat-themed shops. While some visitors note a slightly run-down vibe and wish for better upkeep, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the joy of interacting with the well-cared-for cats and the village's unique history.

"If you love cats, this is the place for you! All the cats here are so cute and they seem well fed and taken care of.

Went on a Friday 4pm and only spent about 30mins as I was rushing off to another attraction. Would come back to spend more time here!

Not many shops were open though, not sure if they are closed for good or I came too late."

Zai Quan Tan

"We went during summer, a lot of cats were outside either sleeping or sunbathing. A lot of cute stores and cafes, but you should not miss the other side also, the cat village is at the left side of the station. At the right side, you will see more stores, cafes, and little museum where you can get a customized photocard (digitally)."

Sovereign

"Calling all cat lovers!! 🐱🐈🐈‍⬛ Taking about an hour by local train from Taipei Main Station, this is an old rural village with many outdoor cats, for which it is famous for. You’ll be greeted by cats the moment you exit the station gantry, as you’ll see them lounging in the station lobby and all along the bridge that connects the town (separated by the train tracks) too. Some are friendly and can’t get enough of you, but others can be a bit feisty. Respect them and give them space if they aren’t keen on interaction!

There are many gift shops all over the village which sell adorable cat-themed merchandise that make for great souvenirs. At the ground floor just outside of the station, there is a row of local restaurants and cafes to choose from if you are having a meal or snack here.

While this village is most known for its cat population, it used to be a bustling mining town. There are relics of this history scattered around the area, including museums, preserved structures, and informational boards."

Koi

What People Like

Abundance of friendly cats
Cat-themed shops and cafes
Unique historical atmosphere

What People Dislike

Slightly run-down appearance
Some shops closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is by taking a local train from Taipei Main Station to Houtong Station. The journey takes about an hour. The village is located just across the train tracks from the station, accessible via a pedestrian bridge. InstagramReddit

Yes, Houtong Cat Village is conveniently located on the same local train line as Jiufen and Shifen. Many visitors combine these destinations into a single day trip. InstagramReddit

While there might be limited parking options, taking the train is highly recommended due to ease of access and to avoid potential parking hassles. Instagram

You can take the local train from Houtong Station back to Ruifang Station, which is the closest station to Jiufen. From Ruifang, you can take a bus or taxi up to Jiufen Old Street. Reddit

Absolutely! Houtong Cat Village is well-connected by public transport, primarily through the local train network, making it an accessible destination for most travelers. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to enter Houtong Cat Village. It's a public village, and you can wander freely among the cats and shops. Instagram

The village itself is always accessible, but individual shops and cafes have their own operating hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours to see the cats and explore the shops. Reddit

While there are no strict entry restrictions, visitors are advised to be respectful of the cats' space and avoid feeding them certain foods or disturbing them while they sleep. InstagramReddit

It's generally not recommended to bring your own pets to Houtong Cat Village, as it could stress the resident cats and potentially cause conflict. TikTok

Information on specific entry fees for the Coal Mining Museum can vary. It's advisable to check on-site for the most current pricing details. Reddit

🎫 🐈 Onsite Experience

Besides interacting with the cats, you can explore the charming cat-themed shops, enjoy local food at cafes, and learn about the village's history at the Coal Mining Museum. InstagramReddit

Most cats are friendly and accustomed to people, but some may be shy or feisty. Always approach them gently and respect their boundaries. InstagramReddit

You can purchase special cat treats from local vendors to feed the cats, but be mindful of 'no-feeding' signs and avoid giving them human food. InstagramReddit

Be patient and observe their behavior. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and more active cats. TikTok

Weekends and holidays can be quite busy. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are several local restaurants and cafes offering snacks, meals, and drinks. Many feature cat-themed decor and menus. InstagramReddit

Options may be limited, but some cafes might offer simpler dishes like noodles or rice that can be adapted. It's best to inquire directly. Reddit

You can find local Taiwanese snacks, noodle dishes, and coffee. Some places might offer 'miner's noodles' referencing the town's history. Reddit

Yes, the village has several cat cafes where you can enjoy refreshments while interacting with resident cats. Instagram

Compared to Taipei, food prices in Houtong are generally more affordable, especially for local eateries. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The bridge connecting the two sides of the village, the train station, and any spot where cats are lounging or interacting offer great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Yes, taking photos of the cats is a major draw, but always be mindful of their comfort and avoid using flash directly in their eyes. TikTok

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wider village scenes and close-ups of cats. A fast aperture lens can help in lower light. TikTok

Generally, no specific photography restrictions apply, but always be respectful of private property and individuals. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer, more flattering light. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. Reddit

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