Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park — Attraction in New Taipei

The Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park is a great place to learn more about the background of the ‘Cat Village’. The musuem is free to enter and an engaging experience that offers key insights into the past of Houtong, and an emotional layer that really helps you see the hard labour the miners endured, and how the development of new technology greatly improved those working conditions. I liked how they displayed the evolution of working conditions and life in the mine, although I think it could be done more effectively.

The facilities were very clean, and modern and sleek, but there was a lot of empty space. The outside of the musuem was quite messy. Muddy, bits of timber and concrete layi around. I wasn’t sure if that was to communicate the feeling of the hazards of the working environment back in the day, or if the museum was undergoing renovations or what. It added to the mood, but I don’t think it was intended to look like that.

The museum has a minimalist feeling, but I think more interactive elements would help keep guests engaged and immersed. The coal sorting game was great fun and similar to a game I would play at home on my PC. More games of that caliber would be excellent in keeping guests interested for longer.

The building has rest areas, a elevator, and three...

We didn’t get the visit the village on the other side, and the carts on the other side as well.

It was raining hard when we were there so we stayed here. There’s coffee shops and restaurants around.

Not many, but there are cats roaming also.

You can also view the river.

Wish I could go back on a sunny day again 🌤️

Watch my YT video...

Free of charge, small but definitely worth visiting, museum. It’s very English-friendly, with clear translations, helpful staff and many interactive exhibitions, that teach you about coal mining. Even if mining isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting for its unique architecture—the building itself is a true masterpiece. Highly...