The Complete Guide to Hou Tong, Taiwan’s “Cat Village”! From How to Get There to Recommended Length of Stay, Cafes, and How to Combine It with a Visit to Jiufen
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's Visit Taiwan's Intriguing "Cat Village"
- 2 What Is Hou Tong, Taiwan's "Cat Village"?
- 3 How to Get to Cat Village in Taiwan
- 4 Top Attractions in Cat Village, Taiwan
- 5 3 Recommended Cafes in Cat Village, Taiwan
- 6 Estimated Length of Stay in Cat Village, Taiwan
- 7 Things to Keep in Mind in Cat Village, Taiwan
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hou Tong (Hou Tong) Cat Village
- 9 summary
Let's Visit Taiwan's Intriguing "Cat Village"
In this column, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to how to get to “Houtong Cat Village,” a popular spot in Taiwan, along with its highlights and recommended cafes.
We'll also share recommendations on how long to stay and how to combine this with a visit to Jiufen, so,A Day Trip from TaipeiYou'll be able to plan a trip to enjoy Nekomura right away.
◆For those who want to plan a trip that combines Nekomura and Jiufen
◆For those looking for day-trip destinations from Taipei
◆For those who want to learn about how to interact with cats and proper etiquette beforehand
Taiwan Recommendations
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What Is Hou Tong, Taiwan's "Cat Village"?
"Houtong Cat Village" is a small village where people live alongside cats, located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, just outside Taipei.
Although it once flourished as a coal-mining town, it has now become a popular tourist destination that attracts cat lovers.
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The History and Origins of Nekomura
Houtong was originally a coal-mining town that prospered as a coal-producing region.
Although the town fell into decline for a time following the decline of the coal mining industry, it began to attract attention as a “Cat Village” around 2009, when cat-loving volunteers started caring for the town’s stray cats.
In 2013,CNNSelected by"The World's 6 Best Cat Spots"It was selected as one of the top [...], and is now a famous attraction that draws cat lovers from all over the world.
Basic Information on Nekomura (Address and Access Details)
Nekomura isHoutong StationIt is located in the area right next to [...], specifically around Chailiao Road in Ruifang District, New Taipei City.
Admission isFreePlus, its convenient location—just a few minutes' walk from the station—is another big draw.
The village also has a “Cat Information Center” that provides information on cat rescue efforts, where you can learn the proper way to interact with cats.
How to Get to Cat Village in Taiwan
You can reach Nekomura by taking a single train from Taipei Station, which is great because even first-time visitors can get there without getting lost.
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How to Get There from Taipei
The train ride from Taipei Station to Hou Tong Station takes about 50 to 60 minutes.
The fare is56 New Taiwan Dollars(About 240 yen) — it’s a very affordable way to get around. Another big plus is that you can get there without having to transfer.
How to Get There by Train
From Platform 4 at Taipei Station, board a local train (stopping at every station) bound for “Su’ao,” “Hualien,” or “Taitung.”
Since there aren't that many trains, it's a good idea to check the schedule in advance on the Taiwan Railways Administration's website.
If you're coming from Jiufen, I also recommend taking a bus to Ruifang Station and transferring to a train from there.
How to Enjoy the Cat Bridge (Pedestrian Bridge) in Nekomura
To get from Hou Tong Station to Cat Village, cross the pedestrian bridge decorated with cat illustrations (commonly known as the "Cat Bridge").
The official name of the bridge is"Shinko Bridge"...and it was originally built to transport coal mined from the coal mines,1936It is a historic bridge that spans [...].
Since you can cross the bridge while taking in the mountain scenery, it really gets you in the mood right from the start of your tour of Nekomura.
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Top Attractions in Cat Village, Taiwan
Nekomura has plenty of photo spots that cat lovers will find irresistible. Take your time and explore them at a leisurely pace.
Cat Station (Houtong Station)
Houtong Station is the gateway to Cat Village, and the station itself is decorated with cat-themed motifs.
From the moment you step off the train onto the platform, you'll be immersed in a cat-themed world, so you're sure to be excited as soon as you arrive.
Cat Road (Cat Play)
Along Shibaryo Road, which stretches out beyond the Cat Bridge, there is a street commonly known as—lined with shops selling cat-themed goods and cafes—"Cat Road"It is.
Just by taking a leisurely stroll, you'll come across cats basking in the sun here and there.
The View from the Sky Bridge
From the pedestrian bridge on the hilltop in Nekomura, you can see the entire Hou Tong village, which is surrounded by mountains.
This is a hidden spot where you can enjoy both the peaceful scenery of a mountain village and the cats at the same time.
3 Recommended Cafes in Cat Village, Taiwan
Here are three unique cafes—found only in Nekomura—where you can take a break while exploring.
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217Cafe
217CafeIt's a long-established café located along Cat Street, where you can enjoy not only coffee but also pizza and waffles.
The round table and large parasol out front serve as landmarks, and it’s also become one of Nekomura’s most popular photo spots.
Directions: About a 3-minute walk from Hou Tong Station
HIDE&SEEK Cafe
Cat-Themed SweetsIt's a popular café and the perfect spot to stop by while exploring Nekomura.
These adorable cat-themed sweets are incredibly Instagram-worthy, so they’re perfect for anyone looking to snap a photo to post on social media.
Directions: About a 3-minute walk from Hou Tong Station
Empress Gallery (Cat Walk 219: Art Gallery Coffee Shop)
It's a stylish café with an attached gallery that hosts cat photography exhibitions and displays works by local artists.
You can spend some relaxing time in a space where café culture, art, and the world of cats come together.
Directions: About a 3-minute walk from Hou Tong Station
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Estimated Length of Stay in Cat Village, Taiwan
Since Nekomura is a compact area, one of its appeals is that it’s easy to adjust the length of your stay to suit your plans.
A Half-Day Model Itinerary
If you want to take your time enjoying Nekomura, the recommended length of stay isAbout 2 to 2.5 hoursIt is.
If you plan to visit the nearby Hou Tong Coal Mine Museum Park (free admission) as well, you should set aside about half a day to ensure you have plenty of time to explore.
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Time Allocation for Traveling from Nekomura to Jiufen
The most common route from Maomura to Jiufen is to take the train back to Ruifang Station and then transfer to a bus from there.
The total travel time isAbout an hourSo, it's easy to plan a trip that includes Nekomura in the morning and Jiufen in the afternoon.
Things to Keep in Mind in Cat Village, Taiwan
We’ve put together a list of etiquette and precautions you should know in advance to ensure a pleasant interaction with cats.
Rabies and How to Interact with Cats
The cats in Nekomura are cared for by local volunteers, so they are clean and used to people.
However, since you need to be careful when interacting with wild animals, don’t try to touch them without good reason, and if they show any signs of discomfort, gently back away.
In the unlikely event that you are scratched or bitten, just to be safe,Seek medical attention as soon as possibleIt's a good idea to do this just to be on the safe side.
Nekomura: How to Choose Souvenirs
When it comes to famous souvenirs from Nekomura,"Cat Pineapple Cakes"It's a cat-shaped pineapple cake.
Not only do they look cute, but they also taste authentic, making them the perfect souvenir for cat lovers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hou Tong (Hou Tong) Cat Village
From Taipei Station, you can reach Hou Tong Station by train in about 50 to 60 minutes without having to transfer. The fare is 56 New Taiwan dollars (about 240 Japanese yen).
Admission to Nekomura is free. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the station, so it’s easy to drop by—another reason it’s so appealing.
The usual way is to take the train back to Ruifang Station and then transfer to a bus from there. The total travel time is about an hour, so it’s easy to plan a day trip that includes both destinations.
summary
Houtong (Houtong) Cat Village is,Just one train ride from TaipeiIt's a must-see spot for cat lovers that's easy to visit.
Cross the Cat Bridge, stroll along Cat Street, and take a break at a café to enjoy some time with the cats.
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