Admire cats in Houtong: Cute cat toilets and guard booths make their debut

The New Taipei City Government stated that in the past, besides driving, the most convenient way to visit the Houtong Coal Mine Museum Park was by train. After exiting the station hall and descending the stairs, visitors could explore attractions such as the Vision Hall. But now, those arriving in Houtong will notice that the train station has gotten a fresh new look. The station sign has been infused with local elements, making it more than just a signboard — it’s now both functional and full of charm and artistry.

 

First, upon arriving at the station, you can walk up the stairs. The previously unused space outside the second-floor waiting hall has now been turned into an observation deck, where visitors can gaze at the natural mountain town scenery and the remnants of the coal washing plant, enjoying a moment of leisure. Additionally, a newly installed cat toilet on the first floor is Taiwan’s first restroom incorporating local characteristics — the theme of cats. With a series of adorable cat illustrations drawn by illustrator Cat Little P plastered on the exterior wall, the playful and lively designs are 100% attention-grabbing.

Walking out of the station and further ahead, another eye-catching attraction in the park is the security guard booth. Originally made of aluminum panels with a rigid and cold appearance, it has been transformed into a warmer, wooden structure. This space breaks down the previous distance between buildings and small animals — not only allowing cats to freely enter, rest, and play, but also enabling security personnel and cats to stand guard together in the booth, turning it into a full-fledged cat guard booth that helps maintain the peace and tranquility of the entire park. This booth, with its strong retro and rustic vibe, already has a special charm, and with the addition of the “cat army,” it has become one of the newest highlights in Houtong.

 

Beyond the cat-themed toilet and guard booth at the station, another change involves the official patrol bicycles previously used by staff to tour the park. These have now been given a feline twist, becoming “Cat BIKES” — their bodies and fronts decorated with cute, playful, and cat-like patterns that are hard to ignore. When staff ride these cat-patrol bicycles through the park, don’t forget to wave or cheer them on.

When visiting Houtong, besides the usual strolling and cat village exploration, expert-recommended new cycling routes allow for a deeper experience of every corner of Houtong. Houtong was once home to Taiwan’s top coal production, and its coal industry settlements and other cultural landscapes are well preserved. It also features unique river valleys and natural sights such as potholes. With its diverse and rich cultural and natural scenery, it’s perfect for in-depth exploration via bicycle travel. For example, when coming to Houtong, you can either bring your own bicycle and take the train to Houtong Station, or you can cycle from Ruifang Station — after exiting, ride along the nearly 5-kilometer Ruipeng-Houtong bicycle path to Houtong, then begin a biking journey that blends natural scenery and relaxing exploration. This not only recharges your body and mind, allows you to connect with nature, but also supports energy saving and environmental protection. To encourage cycling tours around Houtong and make things more convenient for cyclists, the New Taipei City Government has also set up a bicycle-themed landscape toilet in the park’s third parking lot, offering greater convenience and peace of mind for cyclists.

 

As we approach 2014, to welcome the new year and pray for blessings for Houtong’s mountain town and its cats, the New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau and Houtong Train Station jointly launched a cat-themed wishing wall for blessings. Visitors are welcome to visit the second-floor waiting hall of Houtong Train Station, use the sticky notes provided by the Taiwan Railways Administration, write down their New Year wishes, blessings for Houtong, or hopes, and stick them on the wishing wall. Through collective positive energy, let wishes come true and ring in the new year with a fresh start.