Author Yuci
Editor Tzu Hsuan Chan
In Taiwan, when it comes to “cat stations”, the immediate association is often with the Houtong Station in New Taipei City. However, in Taiwan’s naturally abundant landscapes, cat-guarded train stations are scattered throughout the north, central, south, and east regions. These stations have gained a reputation for driving people crazy with delight. If visiting during the hotter times, most cats tend to seek refuge in cooler spots, so it is recommended to wait until around dusk to appreciate their presence fully!
New Taipei City – Houtong Station 新北 猴硐車站
Houtong, originally named due to the abundance of monkeys living in nearby caves, has a history deeply intertwined with its feline residents. In the early days, a large community of cats settled here, and their prolific breeding led to the flourishing presence of hundreds of cats. Unfortunately, these local cats once fell victim to feline panleukopenia. When visiting, it is advisable not to bring personal pets, and after interacting with the cats, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Upon returning home, it is essential to wash hands immediately and change clothes to preserve the fond memories of the visit.
Address: No. 70, Chailiao Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Kaohsiung – Qiaotou MRT Station 高雄 橋頭捷運站
Commute fatigue is often a challenging aspect of life, but what if you encounter a cat during your public transportation journey? At Kaohsiung’s Qiaotou MRT Station, there is a cat stationmaster named “Mikan蜜柑.” This adorable stationmaster not only has a dedicated name tag but also sits dutifully on a chair, observing the passengers coming and going. The stationmaster’s professionally tired appearance is truly irresistible. However, the stationmaster’s duty hours are flexible, depending on her mood. If you happen to miss it, keep your spirits up and patiently wait for the next encounter. It’s recommended to check the stationmaster’s working hours on Instagram!
Address: No. 19, Xingtang Road, Qiaotou District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Taitung – Shanli Station 臺東 山里車站
Located in the Jiafeng Village of Beinan Township, Taitung County, Shanli Station is surrounded by mountains, earning its reputation as an elusive station. Preserving its original and quaint appearance, the station has become familiar to cats, who freely roam the platform and passengers’ seats. The playful meows echoing around create a lively atmosphere at the station. If you wish to experience a sense of isolation from the world and enjoy some solitary time with cats, be sure to visit Shanli Station for a leisurely and tranquil journey.
Address: No. 108, Shanli Road, Jiafeng Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County, Taiwan
Taitung – Ruihe Station 臺東 瑞和車站
In this desolate place, where solitude reigns and a cat, also known as the Underground Stationmaster, exudes a sense of world-weariness, occasional visits from young people returning to their hometown are the only signs of life. With no ticket counter, the station offers rich historical guidance and provides the opportunity to purchase coffee or light snacks. The stationmaster, possessing a majestic aura and a fearless demeanor, welcomes interactions and is even open to taking natural-looking photos with visitors. For cat enthusiasts visiting Taitung, this is a must-visit spot for cultural enrichment and the accumulation of adorable memories.
Address: No. 1-1, Section 3, Ruijing Road, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan
This article is reproduced under the permission of ReadyGO. Original content can be found at the website of Ready Go.
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