A little mining town in northern Taiwan is fast gaining a reputation for its cat population. Houtong’s feline inhabitants have made the rounds on the Internet, fueling interest about the town.
The mining town wasn't always a cat enclave, however. Originally called Hou Dong or monkey cave, the town was once inhabited by a large population of monkeys during its formative years.
Houtong thrived in the Japanese colonial era because of its gold and coal mines, which attracted around 6,000 residents. The local mining industry declined in the 1990s, however, forcing some residents to leave the town to look for greener pastures. Thanks to Houtong's cat population, the town's economy is having a second shot at success.
Houtong's reputation as a cat village started in 2008 when a villager decided to make a home for Houtong's stray cat population. After taking and posting photos online, bloggers started to flock to the town and published reviews, which in turn drew the attention of cat enthusiasts.
From a gritty mining town, Houtong was transformed into a village littered with feline designs, souvenirs, cat-shaped food and postcards.
Aside from its change in appearance, the town's cat population also increased to approximately 200, threatening to outnumber Houtong's human population. More efforts to keep the cats healthy were also done after the town was hit by the feline panleukopenia virus or FPV. Last July, 50 out of 200 cats living in the village were vaccinated.
Cat enthusiasts as well as fans of old mines and industrial architecture are invited to visit Houtong. The town is located on the outskirts of Ruifang. Visitors can take the #788 bus from Keelung or opt to take the train from Ruifang's train station by way of the Pingxi Railway Line. One can also board a train from Taipei to Ruifang and Houtong.