By: Crystal Wong
Houtong Cat Village, recently selected by CNN as one of the “World’s Six Best Cat-Watching Spots,” is likely not unfamiliar to many. A quick online search will reveal countless adorable photos of cats. But how much do you really know about this popular attraction?
Located next to Houtong Station on the Yilan Line, as soon as you exit the station, you’ll step onto the uniquely designed “Cat Bridge.” The bridge is adorned with photos and illustrations of cats, as well as climbing platforms specially made for them. After descending, following the trails left by the cats will lead you to numerous themed shops dedicated to them.
Yet oddly enough, there’s a coal mining museum park within the cat village. It turns out that when the Yilan Line’s Houtong section opened in 1920, the railway was primarily used to transport coal. Houtong was once Taiwan’s largest coal mine!
More New Taipei City tourist attractions recommendations: http://www.dcfever.com/travel/sightseeing.php?id=2163
Photo source: New Taipei City Tourism Bureau