A mountain village in northern China found new life after more than 200 cats became its biggest attraction, drawing tourists from across the country.
On a summer morning, dozens of cats emerge from stone houses, rooftops and shaded corners of a quiet mountain village in northern China. As a caretaker arrives with a bucket of cat food, they gather around her for breakfast.
The village, known as Cat Village, is home to more than 200 free-roaming cats. Located in the Taihang Mountains in Hebei Province, it has become an unlikely tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.
The story began in 2019, when residents moved to a nearby town as part of a relocation program. While families left their old homes behind, many cats remained in the village because they could not adapt to urban life.
Artist Zhou Hewei encountered the animals while working on rural revitalisation projects in the area.
“I couldn’t bear to see them left here on their own,” Zhou said.
He proposed transforming the nearly abandoned settlement into a place where the cats could live safely while visitors could experience the village’s traditional architecture and mountain scenery.
With support from local authorities, unused houses were renovated, and public spaces were redesigned. Cat shelters were added, old buildings were repaired, and murals appeared on village walls. Over time, the settlement became known as Cat Village.
Today, visitors travel from across the region to photograph the cats, explore the narrow lanes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The animals roam freely throughout the village, resting in courtyards, wandering along stone paths and climbing onto rooftops.
“We want them to live the way village cats once lived,” Zhou said.
Volunteers regularly provide health checks and grooming services for the cats. In addition, the village uses automatic feeding stations to help care for its growing feline population.
Cat Village has attracted more than 300,000 visits since opening. During peak periods, daily visitor numbers can reach around 1,500.
Among recent visitors was Wang Linfeng, who drove more than two hours with his wife to spend a day in the village. “In the city, it’s hard to find this kind of peace,” Wang said. “Being surrounded by mountains and animals feels very relaxing.”
The growing number of tourists has also created new opportunities for nearby residents. Villagers sell local specialities such as mushrooms and walnut oil, while others make cat-themed handicrafts inspired by the village’s feline residents.
Tourism-related businesses have benefited as well. A nearby cherry-picking orchard has opened to visitors, and local guesthouses have reported higher occupancy rates.
For local officials, the popularity of the cats has brought unexpected attention to the area. “Sometimes the cats become the real stars,” said Zhao Xianning, a village official who often promotes the community through livestreams and short videos.
What began as an effort to care for the cats has helped bring new visitors and opportunities to the mountain village.
“We took care of the cats, and then the cats helped revive the village,” Zhou said.
Additional reporting by CNS.
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