Chiayi, Taiwan

With a population of just 260,749, Chiayi is a small provincial city that offers few big-city amenities. The bureaucratic legacy of Japanese and Chinese rule means navigating a persistent headache of red tape. And while the subtropical climate brings warm, humid summers, the city is also prone to devastating earthquakes like the one in 1906 that killed over 1,200 people. For those seeking an authentic slice of Taiwanese life outside the bustle of Taipei, Chiayi may hold appeal - but it's hardly a glamorous expat destination.