Pingtung city, Taiwan

Capital City

With a population of just 191,815, Pingtung City is a sleepy county seat that offers little more than a long commute to Kaohsiung for most residents. The subtropical climate keeps temperatures toasty year-round, but the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the city's status has shifted between provincial, county, and municipal more times than one can keep track. While Pingtung boasts a handful of cultural attractions, this provincial backwater is best suited for retirees looking to escape the bustle of Taiwan's major cities.