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Houtong (formerly Hou-tung) was originally called “Monkey Cave.” In the late Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty it still had very few settlers; the mountain caves were home to troops of monkeys, and over time “Monkey Cave” became the place-name. On 27 January 1920 (Taishō 9) the Ruifang–Houtong railway section opened. On 1 April 1962 the station was renamed Houtong. Because of coal and gold mining in Houtong and Xiaocukeng, Houtong Station was built in 1920; it served as the largest freight hub for the adjacent Ruisan Mining Co. and once held great importance. After electrification the station still preserved the flavor of a rustic hillside town. By chance it became a village where cats gather, and was later chosen one of the world’s six top cat-watching spots. When you arrive at Houtong Station, be sure to take a photo with the cute cat station-master statue. [Houtong Cat Village Guided Tour Film] [Houtong Cat Bridge Documentary]