After spending some time in the South, like visiting the Alishan National Scenic Area, I started exploring Northern Taiwan with my friend for a few days!
Houtong Cat Village, nestled in the lush hills of Taiwan, is a whimsical haven for cat lovers or pet lovers. Houtong is such a charming village where feline residents can roam freely, which makes it a cat village.
As a cat lover myself, visiting Houtong Cat Village was part of my 11-day Taiwan itinerary. Fortunately, my best friend (who’s been staying in Taiwan for years) accompanied me to go to Houtong Cat Village right before heading to one of the most famous destinations in Taiwan, Jiufen.
If you’re planning to visit Houtong Cat Village, this travel guide is for you. I must say that this is a must-visit place in Taiwan!
Table of Contents
How to get to Houtong Cat Village?
Getting to Houtong Cat Village from Taipei is very easy and accessible. Here’s how you can get there:
- From Taipei Main Station, take a train (Yilan Line) bound for Houtong Station. The travel time is about an hour.
- Get off at Houtong Station, and then the cat village is a short walk from the train station.
Essential Travel Guide and Tips
- As much as possible, you can visit the Houtong Cat Village on weekdays, which are less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience with the cats.
- While the cats are used to human interaction, make sure to approach them calmly and avoid disturbing their rest.
- Make sure to feed the cat proper food. You can purchase it from any of the local stores around.
- Be mindful of other visitors when taking photos and respect the privacy of residents. Don’t make too much noise around the area.
Things to do in Houtong Cat Village
Play with adorable cats.
Houtong Cat Village is a haven for cat lovers, fur parents, or those who want to have an interaction with cats and a different travel experience in Taiwan. I love cats so I was super excited to get here! One super cute thing was that when my friend and I got off the train, we were already welcomed by adorable cats. Ahhhh! My heart!
You can see the cats roaming freely, lounging on rooftops, window sills, and streets. You can take pictures and play with them but make sure that you are not disturbing them at all. Apart from that, you can also get a chance to feed the cats with their treats. You can buy these cat treats from any of the local stores in the area.
Learn about the village’s history.
You can stop by the information center for maps and details about the village’s history and cat-related events. There’s a very nice small gallery inside the information center.
Visit the Houtong Cat Bridge.
Take a turn to cross the iconic Cat Bridge, offering panoramic views of the village and the Keelung River. You can also take lots of Instagram-worthy photos with the playful cat sculptures.
Visit the cat cafes.
Houtong Cat Village is all about cats. Thus, expect lots of cat cafes around the village. They’re all cute and amazing! With adorable cats all around you, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea or even some local Taiwanese food.
See the cat-themed souvenir shops.
Aside from cat cafes, you can also explore the numerous shops selling cat-themed souvenirs, from trinkets and toys to clothing and accessories. You can support local artists and craftsmen by purchasing unique cat-inspired items.
Try some local foods.
Don’t forget to try some of the best local foods in Taiwan. But if you’re in Houtong Cat Village, you’ll see a lot of cat-themed snacks and desserts that you can try as well.
In our case, my friend and I tried the local noodles from a local food store and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I still can’t forget it up till now. Hahaha!
Houtong Cat Village is one of my favorite places I’ve visited in Taiwan. I must say that it’s a happy place for me (probably because I’m a cat lover). Imagine that we’ve spent about four hours in this village just to see and play with the cats! If you’re visiting Jiufen, Shifen, or Keelung, you can visit Houtong Cat Village as your side trip!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
