Houtong was originally called Kau-tong (Chinese: 猴洞; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: kâu-tōng; lit.

Houtong was once a small, rich mining town in Ruifang, renowned for a well-preserved culture surrounding its railway which was built during the Japanese rule of Taiwan.

This attracted many immigrants to the area, which further spurred the town's growth to as many as 900 households with a population of more than 6,000 people.

Drivers entering the town are greeted with a sign that reads "A lot of stray cats here.

"[3] A special bridge has been constructed above the busy railway, to allow safe passage for the cats.