Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park: mining history with a slower pace
A meaningful add-on near Houtong Cat Village—ideal if you want a bit of history context and ‘old Taiwan’ texture alongside the cute cat-town atmosphere.
Discover More
A small town made famous for its cat-friendly streets—easy to combine with nearby rail-line stops, and surprisingly meaningful when you notice its mining history too.
Map
Visualize where this fits in your day (and plan nearby pairings).
Interactive map powered by OpenFreeMap (MapLibre + OpenStreetMap).Tip: scroll-zoom is disabled.
District
New Taipei (day trip)
Best for
Cat lovers, photographers, slower travel days
Time needed
2–4 hours
Highlights
- A gentle, low-stress day trip with a distinct vibe
- Cats + train-town atmosphere (photogenic without trying too hard)
- Pairs naturally with Pingxi-line or Ruifang-area day trips
Why go
Houtong is an easy day trip when you want something light and charming. It’s known for its cats, but the town’s mining past adds depth and makes the visit feel more than a gimmick.
If you’re travel-tired, this is a high-reward low-effort outing: arrive, wander, take photos, and keep the rest of the day simple.
How to visit respectfully
Treat the cats like locals: don’t chase or pick them up, don’t block narrow pathways, and keep your visit calm. Your best photos happen when you slow down anyway.
- Don’t chase or corner cats for photos
- Keep food rules and signage in mind
- Leave buffer time—this stop works best unhurried
Pairings
Houtong pairs well with nearby rail-line stops. Pick one add-on, not three—day trips feel better when they’re spacious.
- Houtong + Pingxi Old Street
- Houtong + Shifen Waterfall (with careful timing)
- Houtong + Jiufen (if you’re already in the Ruifang area)
Helpful links
Official pages and references for planning details.
Keep exploring
Hand-picked next reads to make your Taipei plan smoother.
Ready to plan your next stop?
Start with a simple loop: one neighborhood stroll, one iconic sight, and one night market. Taipei rewards balance.
Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.