Miaoli, Taiwan

Capital City

With a population just shy of 86,000, Miaoli City is no sprawling metropolis. Housing prices are steep, with residential and commercial property commanding NT$28,601 and NT$63,317 per square meter, respectively, as of 2004. This Hakka-majority county seat has a persistent bureaucracy to navigate, as the city was once divided between different Japanese districts and has changed designations several times under Chinese rule.

Despite its modest size, Miaoli boasts a fair number of tourist attractions, from a railway museum to religious temples. The city's climate, however, is not explicitly described. Ultimately, Miaoli seems best suited for those seeking a more intimate, provincial Taiwanese experience, rather than the bright lights and bustling streets of Taipei.