Makang, Mutan, Houtong Cat Village & Sandiaoling Day Tour

Taipei , Taiwan (Republic of China)

Makang, Mutan, Houtong Cat Village & Sandiaoling Day Tour

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the Makang fishing village and learn about its traditional stone houses and the legends of the Ama (sea women).

Explore the atmospheric Mutan Old Street, filled with quaint shops and timeless railroad views.

Visit Houtong Cat Village, once a bustling coal-mining town and now famous for its adorable cat residents and charming village scenery.

Continue to Sandiaoling, the only train station in Taiwan that cannot be reached by car — a hidden gem with a nostalgic small-town ambiance.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch featuring fresh baby squid rice noodles, a specialty loved by visitors and locals alike.

Available options

Hotel pickup & English guide

Meet your guide at hotel: Experience a private tour in a private car with your own driving guide.
<br/>English-speaking tour guide<br/>Pickup included

Hotel pickup & Mandarin guide

Meet your guide at hotel: Experience a private tour in a private car with your own driving guide.<br/>Mandarin-speaking tour guide<br/>Pickup included

Keelung harbour pickup & Eng

Pickup included

What's included

Round-trip transportation from Banqiao / Taipei Station

Admission fee

Insurance: NT$2M performance guarantee + NT$5M passenger liability

Entrance fee

Professional driver with onboard commentary

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Fresh baby squid rice noodles

Detailed itinerary

Magang Fishing Village – The Legend of Stone Houses
Discover the ancient wisdom preserved in the easternmost village of Magang. Here, generations have built and defended their iconic stone houses, designed to coexist with the sea. These homes, surrounded by thick stone walls, were constructed from heavy rocks carried up one by one from the ocean, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of the villagers.

Mudán Old Street – Taiwan’s Most Curved Railway Track
Step into Mudán Old Street, a nostalgic spot with a quiet yet charming atmosphere. Once a familiar old place, it now offers a fresh experience, especially for railway fans who can’t miss the sight of Taiwan’s most curved train track.

Sandiaoling – A Hidden Gem Train Station
Accessible only by train, Sandiaoling is a secluded station often described as a secret paradise. Small and timeless, it carries the nostalgic charm of the 1970s, as if stepping back in time. Arriving here feels like entering another world, filled with the anticipation of what scenic wonders await.

Stop 4

Houtong Cat Village was once famous for its thriving coal-mining industry, but is now known for its large population of cats—said to outnumber the town’s current residents by 200 times.
Located along the lush banks of the Keelung River, the area is also home to the remains of the Houtong Shrine, scenic viewpoints, and several small museums.
The Houtong Mine Leisure Park offers mine-cart rides, while nearby cafés and souvenir shops feature a wide variety of cat-themed products.

What's not included

Breakfast

Dinner

Available languages

Audio guide

CMN EN

Guide guide

CMN EN

Written guide

CMN EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Taipei

Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a fascinating blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Known for its bustling night markets, towering skyscrapers, and lush green mountains, Taipei offers a unique urban experience with a rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Taipei 101

Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper and a symbol of modern Taipei. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 89th floor.

Architecture/Observation Deck 1-2 hours NT$600-800 (observation deck ticket)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This national memorial hall is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, former leader of the Republic of China. The hall features a large museum, gardens, and a daily changing of the guard ceremony.

Historical/Memorial 1-2 hours Free (museum admission may vary)

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking spot offering one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The hike is relatively short and suitable for most fitness levels.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours (hike and sightseeing) Free

Shilin Night Market

One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei, Shilin Night Market offers a wide variety of street food, snacks, and shopping. It's a must-visit for food lovers.

Food/Market 2-3 hours Budget to moderate (depending on food and shopping)

Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou is known for its natural hot springs, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. There are several public and private hot spring resorts to choose from.

Relaxation/Spas 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive (depending on the resort)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beef Noodle Soup

A hearty soup made with tender beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth. It's considered Taiwan's national dish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (noodles).

Bubble Tea

A popular Taiwanese beverage made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It comes in various flavors and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Drink Vegetarian (if made without dairy).

Oyster Omelet

A savory omelet made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Contains seafood and eggs.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and sauce. It's an acquired taste but a must-try for adventurous eaters.

Snack Vegetarian (if made without meat-based broth).

Popular Activities

Hiking in Yangmingshan National Park Paragliding in Wuling Farm Visiting Beitou Hot Springs Tea tasting in Maokong Exploring historic temples and shrines Visiting museums and art galleries Kayaking in the Tamsui River Stand-up paddleboarding in Ximending

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It's also the time for various festivals and events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English, Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas and among younger generations)

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taipei is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport • 40 km from city center
Taipei Songshan Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Taipei Main Station, Banqiao Station

By bus

Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Taipei Metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use. It operates from 6:00 AM to midnight and has both English and Chinese signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taiwan Taxi App

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ximending Daan Zhongshan

Day trips

Jiufen

40 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its narrow streets, tea houses, and historic sites. Jiufen is often compared to a smaller version of Tokyo's Golden Gai.

Yehliu Geopark

40 km from Taipei • Half day

A unique geopark featuring fascinating rock formations, including the famous Queen's Head, created by erosion over thousands of years.

Tamsui

15 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A historic district at the mouth of the Tamsui River, known for its beautiful sunset views, historic sites, and vibrant night market.

Festivals

Taipei Lantern Festival • February (dates vary, typically around the Chinese New Year) Taipei Pride • Late October (dates vary) Taipei International Food Show • June (dates vary)

Pro tips

Use the EasyCard for convenient and discounted payments on public transportation, as well as for access to some attractions and shops.
Visit popular attractions, such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the city's vibrant night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, for an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Tamsui, to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your travel experience and connect with locals.