Tainan, often referred to as the cradle of Taiwan’s cultural heritage, offers a glimpse into a Taiwan that has remained untouched by the rapid modernization of its northern cities. The city’s historic streets are alive with ancient traditions, from vibrant wedding ceremonies to incense-filled temples like the Confucius Temple, the oldest in Taiwan. The historic city boasts the 17th-best Tree Cover in our ranking and, not surprisingly, also ranks Top 20 in our Sights & Landmarks subcategory. Known for its bustling night markets, Tainan is a culinary delight. Garden Night Market is a must-visit, with its maze of food stalls serving local delicacies such as oyster omelettes and coffin bread. The city’s renowned beef soup, often savored in the early morning hours, is a testament to its strong food culture. All these considered, preserved urban experiences contributed to Tainan’s #19 ranking in our overall Livability index. Once known primarily for agriculture and sugar production, the city is now attracting significant foreign investment. Its #34 Labor Force Participation powers the #35 Fortune 500 ranking, driven by technology and renewable energy and projects like the Tainan Science Park, a hub for tech innovation, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, key to Taiwan’s tech ecosystem.