Dingaozai Cat Street

What are the most recommended things to do in Dingaozai Cat Street?

Stroll along Dingaozai Cat Street and interact with the resident cats in a relaxed, pet-friendly environment.
Explore the variety of small boutiques, craft shops, and cafes lining the street.
Take photos of the charming alleyways, murals, and street art inspired by cats.
Enjoy local snacks and drinks at street-side cafes while observing the cats.
Shop for cat-themed souvenirs, toys, and local handicrafts.

Introducing Dingaozi Cat Street

Dingaozai Cat Street is located at the intersection of Nanhua Road and Siming South Road. Relying on the Cat Museum, the street has gradually transformed the old Dingaozai Road into a cat-themed cultural district.

The street is neither wide nor big, with cobblestone paths, snack bars, and exquisite small shops. It is a place where students go shopping, and there are also many foreign friends, which brings a bit of Hong Kong and Macau flavor.

There are some very cute cat landscapes on the street, with various styles. You can count hundreds of cats on the whole street. If you take pictures from the beginning to the end of the street, you can collect a large pile. It also has the only cat museum on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Climate and best time to travel

Xiamen has a subtropical marine monsoon climate with mild and rainy weather. The average annual temperature is around 21°C, with no severe cold in winter and no extreme heat in summer.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Cat Museum

The first privately-owned cat-themed museum in China and the only one on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the museum leverages the historical character of Xiagang Subdistrict to transform the aging Ding'aozi Road into a vibrant, cat-themed neighborhood. The Cat Museum is the ultimate experience center for cat lovers, a creative product of cat culture and the beauty of human nature. It features cat-themed daily necessities, cat-themed souvenirs, cat-themed dining, and exhibits featuring cat paintings, sculptures, and animations. It also showcases and shares pedigreed cats from around the world, and offers charitable activities for companion animals.

Recommended play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

Most Popular FAQs for Dingaozai Cat Street

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Dingaozai Cat Street is a popular cultural and tourist spot in Xiamen, Fujian. It evolved from a traditional market street into a cat-friendly community, attracting visitors for its unique blend of local culture, arts, and feline charm.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It is located in the Siming District of Xiamen. Visitors can reach it by taxi, local bus, or walking from nearby central areas. Xiamen’s bus network provides easy access to the vicinity.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The street is generally accessible all day, but shops and cafes typically open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Best time to visit: late morning to early evening to enjoy cafes and shop openings, and avoid the midday heat.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee; the street is open to the public. Payments are only required for purchases in cafes or shops.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required since it is a public street. Reservations may be needed only for certain cafes or events.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

1–2 hours are generally sufficient to walk the street, interact with the cats, and browse shops and cafes.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Cat-themed murals and street art
Small boutiques and handicraft shops
Cafes with resident cats
Alleyways with concentrated cat populations and photo spots

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are limited. Visitors generally explore the street independently. Some local guides may offer explanations in Chinese and English upon request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Murals featuring cats along the alley walls
Cafes with outdoor seating and cat interactions
The main street intersections with clusters of cats lounging

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance of Dingaozai Cat Street
Walk along the street while stopping at shops and murals
Visit cafes for drinks and snacks
Photograph cats and artwork along the way
Conclude at the far end of the street or nearby local markets

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The street is open in the evening, and some cafes may have lights on, but there are no official light shows or night tours. Evening visits offer a quieter atmosphere and better photo opportunities of illuminated cafes.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The street can be crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are less crowded and more enjoyable for cat interactions.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Small cafes and snack shops
Limited public toilets nearby
Seating areas in cafes
Souvenir and handicraft shops

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The street is mostly flat and pedestrian-friendly, making it accessible for elderly and children. Wheelchair accessibility may be limited in some narrow alleys.