IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

Houtong rose to fame due to its Cat Village and was once selected by CNN as one of the “Top 6 Cat Destinations Around the World,” becoming a popular tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors. However, tourism development has become overly reliant on the Cat Village identity, leading to an increasingly singular image of the area. If the cats were to leave one day, and only the ecological and cultural landscape resources remained, questions arise about whether the area would still attract visitors. Alternatively, the Cat Village and the coal mining heritage may in fact complement each other, enhancing the appeal of the Cat Village through a richer historical context. Natural and cultural assets such as the pothole landforms of the Keelung River, the endangered plant Bretschneidera sinensis, and Houtong’s extensive coal mining history present valuable foundations for developing a more diverse and sustainable tourism model.
Applying Butler’s Tourist Area Life Cycle Theory to examine the evolution of local industry and development patterns, the research reflects on key revitalization factors over time. Fieldwork and interviews with multiple stakeholders provide insight into the post-pandemic tourism recovery. Leveraging the strong recognition of the Cat Village as a point of entry, the study proposes a comprehensive cultural route strategy that integrates landmarks, pathways, and activity planning to reshape the area’s identity. Efforts to reinforce cultural narrative aim to address challenges related to cultural disconnection and the symbolic emptiness of local landmarks, ultimately promoting deeper cultural integration with the Cat Village.