The moment you arrive in the village of Houtong in northern Taiwan, it takes no time at all to figure out who the real stars are.
There is a cat-shaped bridge, bowls of food set out on both sides of the walkways, street signs decorated with feline motifs, cat-themed cafes and, of course, the fluffy four-legged friends who roam freely everywhere you look.
The Fall and Rise of Houtong
In the early 1900s, Houtong, located in New Taipei City, was the largest and most technologically advanced coal-mining site in Taiwan. It was a thriving town home to roughly 6,000 residents and workers, until the mine went into decline in 1990.
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As most of the young residents left in search of better opportunities, Houtong faded into a sleepy village of around 100 people.
But in 2010, Houtong's popularity soared after a cat lover and photographer began blogging about the village's growing population of stray cats. Houtong turned into a mecca for cat fans and, at the same time, a source of income for the locals.
Many of the stray cats, now given affectionate nicknames, are cared for by residents and a team of volunteers.
Along with the many shops and cafes celebrating adorable cats, local authorities seized the chance to revamp Houtong and highlight its long history.
An award-winning pedestrian cat bridge was built. Metal plates stamped with tiny paw prints were set into the streets. In 2014, an information and education center for cats opened, its facade featuring raised walkways for strolling.
In 2010, a park-museum dedicated to the town's former mining life opened, and in 2012 the village hosted a cat lantern festival.
It all seems to be paying off. Today the town welcomes around a million visitors every year.
The Controversy
But Houtong, now firmly in the spotlight, is not entirely flawless.
According to local reports, the town has become a magnet for people looking for a place to abandon their unwanted pets.
A recent survey by the Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office of New Taipei City estimated that around 286 cats now live in the village, 50 more than two years earlier.
Given the constant petting and feeding from visitors, some also voice concern for the health of the furry residents. The department, working together with locals and volunteers, vaccinates the cats and provides them with regular medical care.
Signs posted throughout the town warn visitors about the rules of conduct and urge pet owners to act responsibly.
How to Get There
Houtong is about an hour's train ride from Taipei Station. To reach Houtong Station, visitors can take a train on the Yilan Line heading toward Ruifang.
