Asia’s Most Liveable City
Winner: Taipei

This friendly Asian city has a relatively low cost of living – and with an economy that continues to grow, excellent healthcare and infrastructure, and plenty of recreation for citizens, Marco Polo Club members agree that it’s a very good place to be.
‘Taipei has great work-life balance, a slow pace and friendly people. It’s also blazing a trail for liberal Asia, is home to a lot of South East Asians, and is becoming more welcoming to immigration.’ –James Chambers, Hong Kong bureau chief for Monocle magazine and part of our panel of travel experts
Asia’s Most Liveable City Shortlist
Singapore
The Garden City features plentiful green space, low pollution and high levels of safety. There’s also a good business environment, low unemployment, good infrastructure and an array of entertainment options and cultural offerings.
Tokyo
Unemployment, pollution and crime all remain low in Tokyo, and while living costs are high, it boasts excellent, punctual transportation, plenty of entertainment and leisure and a round-the-clock economy.
Hong Kong
Living costs – particularly rent – may be high, but work prospects are good in this economic hub which has a high life expectancy, a growing cultural and creative scene, lifestyle options galore, and easy access to country parks and natural beauty.
Shanghai
With recent infrastructure improvements and increased efforts to combat air pollution, as well as a burgeoning economy and alluring entertainment and cultural offering, Shanghai has plenty to draw people to it.
Chengdu
This economic and cultural hub in the west of China has plenty to offer with history, heritage and nature, as well as contemporary culture and an enticing culinary scene.
Hangzhou
Known as a retreat for China’s wealthy, Hangzhou is developing as a centre of tech and e-commerce. Along with its improving economy, the well-connected lake city boasts canals, picturesque waterways, temples and tea plantations.
Kyoto
High on culture and low on crime, Kyoto’s traditional beauty charms, while its good transportation links and connectivity, business freedom and low unemployment make it an appealing city to make one’s home.
Check out more of the 2019 Marco Polo Members’ Choice Travel Awards:
Asia’s Most Progressive City >
Asia’s Most Innovative City >
Asia’s Most Transformed City >
Back to the main Travel Awards page >>