Houtong Cat Village Introduction
The potholes of the Keelung River are a world-class geological landscape, generally appearing more frequently in upstream river sections. The formation of potholes is caused by strong whirlpools carrying sands and stones that erode the riverbed over time, creating circular holes known as potholes due to the continuous action of swirling water. Between Houtong Station and Sandiaoling Station on the Pingxi Line in Ruifang District, the Keelung Riverbed cuts into the hard NuanNuan sandstone layer, resulting in many smooth depressions on the rock surface, which are geomorphologically referred to as potholes, forming the landscape of Keelung River’s potholes. Houtong in Ruifang is the easiest place to reach to appreciate the potholes. From the steps next to the Wengzitan Bridge outside the Houtong Coal Mine Museum's visitor center, walking upstream along the stepped embankment for about 1,700 meters, taking around 30 minutes one way, visitors can see the local potholes known as "the dimple of the stones." Additionally, after exiting Houtong Train Station, visitors can walk along Houtong Road upstream along the Keelung River to see the pothole scenery.
