Yilan, China

Living in Yilan comes with a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. With a population of just under 450,000, this county in northeastern Taiwan has traded its indigenous roots for an influx of Han Chinese settlers over the past two centuries. While the region boasts natural attractions like the Lanyang River and Wufongci Waterfall, the frequent typhoons, floods, and landslides can make for an unpredictable climate. Overall, Yilan may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more rural pace of life in Taiwan, but it's not for the faint of heart.