Houtong Cat Village, Former mining settlement in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Houtong Cat Village is a former coal mining settlement in New Taipei City that spreads across both sides of the Keelung River. A cat-shaped pedestrian bridge connects the areas and leads through streets inhabited by over 200 cats.
The settlement developed as a major coal mining center in the 1920s with around 6,000 residents. Decline of the mining industry led to abandonment, but the village later transformed into a popular destination through its cat population in the 2000s.
Photographers and animal lovers visit to observe cats resting on benches, ledges, and abandoned mining equipment throughout the settlement. The daily presence of these animals shapes how people move through and experience the village.
The location is easy to reach by train from Taipei and has visitor centers with basic information. Walking paths connect the main areas, but comfortable shoes are recommended since streets are uneven.
Local shops sell specialized products like cat-shaped pineapple cakes and ceramic figures. These handcrafted items have become iconic souvenirs for visitors to take home.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
