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Taiwan🇹🇼 | attractionsHoutong Cat Villagecat-themed alleys, hillside village, feline residents | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Houtong Cat Village
👀 For curious travelersattraction ranked #17
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 26, 2026

Forget the fantasy of a tranquil, feline-filled utopia—Houtong Cat Village is not some secret, purring paradise. It’s a quirky, photogenic stop just outside Taipei, in the hills of New Taipei City, where stray cats outnumber locals and selfie sticks outnumber both. Yes, it’s crowded and the cat-themed kitsch is relentless, but the real magic is the oddball collision of Taiwan’s mining history and its accidental feline fame. Cheap to reach, easy to navigate, and undeniably fun for a quick detour—just don’t expect spiritual enlightenment or solitude.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #17 attraction in Taiwan
What makes this attraction worth visiting

Houtong Cat Village is not just a quirky stop for Instagram snaps—it’s a living, breathing testament to Taiwan’s ability to turn decline into charm. Once a coal mining town on its last legs, it reinvented itself around its feline residents, creating a cultural phenomenon that’s both odd and endearing. Yes, it gets crowded, especially on weekends, and the souvenir shops can feel a bit touristy, but the real draw is the unexpected blend of history and heart. Walking through narrow alleys lined with cats lounging like local royalty, you’re witnessing a grassroots revival that’s as much about community spirit as it is about cute cats. For backpackers, it’s a milestone on the northern Taiwan route—proof that sometimes the best stories come from places that refuse to fade quietly.
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💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

The Cat Overlords (Yes, Really)
You’re not coming here for a handful of sleepy strays. Houtong’s cats run the show—lounging on rooftops, strutting across the old railway tracks, and eyeing you with the confidence of minor celebrities. It’s a feline free-for-all, and the humans are just guests. If you want to see a place where the animals genuinely set the tone, this is it.

Old Railway Station: The Real Heartbeat
Forget the Instagrammable cat murals for a second. The century-old Houtong train station is the village’s backbone. Trains still rumble through, and the platform is a living slice of Taiwan’s industrial past. You’ll see locals, day-trippers, and—of course—cats, all sharing the same space. The contrast between the old-world grit and the playful cat chaos is what gives Houtong its real … read more 👉
The Cat Overlords (Yes, Really)
You’re not coming here for a handful of sleepy strays. Houtong’s cats run the show—lounging on rooftops, strutting across the old railway tracks, and eyeing you with the confidence of minor celebrities. It’s a feline free-for-all, and the humans are just guests. If you want to see a place where the animals genuinely set the tone, this is it.

Old Railway Station: The Real Heartbeat
Forget the Instagrammable cat murals for a second. The century-old Houtong train station is the village’s backbone. Trains still rumble through, and the platform is a living slice of Taiwan’s industrial past. You’ll see locals, day-trippers, and—of course—cats, all sharing the same space. The contrast between the old-world grit and the playful cat chaos is what gives Houtong its real flavor.

Cat-Themed Street Food Stalls
Yes, you’ll find cat-shaped buns and paw-print cookies. But the real win is the local Taiwanese snacks—think chewy mochi, grilled sausages, and sweet tofu pudding—served up by vendors who’ve been here since before the cat craze. The food is cheap, the lines are short, and the vibe is pure, unpretentious fun.

Cat Bridge: The Overhead Catwalk
This isn’t just a gimmick. The elevated walkway lets you watch cats slink above the crowds, safe from overzealous tourists. It’s a clever bit of design that keeps the cats happy and gives you a front-row seat to their daily routines.
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Things to do around Houtong Cat Village

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🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience


  • Topic: Weather and Temperature – The best months are October through April when Taiwan cools down to a comfortable 15-22°C (59-72°F). Summers (June to August) hit 30°C+ (86°F+), sticky and sweaty, not ideal for wandering cat alleys.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – From March to September, expect longer days with up to 12-13 hours of light, perfect for leisurely exploring. Winter months shorten daylight to about 10 hours, so plan accordingly.

  • Topic: Crowds – Weekends and holidays, especially Lunar New Year and summer breaks, pack the village with tourists. Visit on weekdays in the shoulder seasons (March-April, October-November) to dodge the swarm.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Autumn brings mild weather and local festivals nearby, adding cultural spice beyond the cats. Spring offers blooming
read more 👉

  • Topic: Weather and Temperature – The best months are October through April when Taiwan cools down to a comfortable 15-22°C (59-72°F). Summers (June to August) hit 30°C+ (86°F+), sticky and sweaty, not ideal for wandering cat alleys.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – From March to September, expect longer days with up to 12-13 hours of light, perfect for leisurely exploring. Winter months shorten daylight to about 10 hours, so plan accordingly.

  • Topic: Crowds – Weekends and holidays, especially Lunar New Year and summer breaks, pack the village with tourists. Visit on weekdays in the shoulder seasons (March-April, October-November) to dodge the swarm.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Autumn brings mild weather and local festivals nearby, adding cultural spice beyond the cats. Spring offers blooming landscapes but watch for occasional rain showers.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations – Entry is free, but nearby accommodations and transport spike during peak tourist seasons (summer and Lunar New Year). Booking early in off-peak months saves cash and hassle.


Pro-tip: Aim for late autumn weekdays—cool temps, fewer people, and a chance to soak in the village’s laid-back charm without the Instagram crowd.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: good for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Taiwan

Houtong Cat Village isn’t some untouched paradise—expect crowds, especially on weekends, and a handful of touristy shops hawking cat-themed trinkets. But here’s the kicker: the real charm isn’t just the cats; it’s the vibe of the surrounding areas where backpackers actually hang out. For budget travelers and solo adventurers, the best spots to crash are in Ruifang and Jiufen. Both towns are safe, have a solid backpacker scene, and offer easy train or bus rides to Houtong. Ruifang is quieter, more local, and perfect if you want to soak in authentic Taiwanese small-town life without the tourist … read more 👉
Houtong Cat Village isn’t some untouched paradise—expect crowds, especially on weekends, and a handful of touristy shops hawking cat-themed trinkets. But here’s the kicker: the real charm isn’t just the cats; it’s the vibe of the surrounding areas where backpackers actually hang out. For budget travelers and solo adventurers, the best spots to crash are in Ruifang and Jiufen. Both towns are safe, have a solid backpacker scene, and offer easy train or bus rides to Houtong. Ruifang is quieter, more local, and perfect if you want to soak in authentic Taiwanese small-town life without the tourist crush. Jiufen, on the other hand, buzzes with energy, night markets, and social hostels where you’ll meet fellow travelers. Either way, you’re close enough to the cats but far enough to avoid the Instagram mobs.

👛 Costs (as of 9 January 2026)Typical daily expenses

Visiting Houtong Cat Village is free, but transportation costs from Taipei to Houtong Station are approximately NT$56 (about €1.50) one-way. ([nahf.org](https://www.nahf.org/article/houtong-cat-village?utm_source=openai)) Additional expenses may include meals at local cafes or shops, with prices varying based on individual choices.

source: nahf.org
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Houtong Cat Village isn’t some quiet sanctuary—expect crowds, especially on weekends. But here’s the kicker: beyond the selfie chaos, the cats roam freely, and the old mining town’s rugged charm sneaks up on you. It’s not just a photo op; it’s a slice of unexpected, lived-in Taiwan.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Taiwan. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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