If Taipei is the most magnetic global city, why isn't it better known as a tourist destination?

[Luby Liao]

Taipei Named the World’s Top City for Long-Term Living and Tourism Appeal

 Published on August 10, 2025

Taipei, Taiwan’s lively capital, has just been named the city with the ‘highest staying power’ in the world by the U.S. design and architecture firm Gensler. This honor crowns Taipei the favorite among 65 cities across six continents. In the survey, 64 percent of Taipei respondents said they plan to stay in the city, proof of the special qualities that pull both residents and visitors to its streets.

This crowning moment is a proud milestone for Taipei. It shows the city is more than a busy urban center; it is a place where people want to live, work, and flourish. Travelers have loved Taipei for years, but this award now shows how the city also nurtures the pride and belonging vital to its residents. With a sturdy economy, a peaceful atmosphere, and a top-level quality of life, Taipei is now shining as a favorite for both short visits and long stays.

The Key Factors Behind Taipei’s ‘Staying Power‘

The ranking from Gensler was based on a survey of 33,000 people across the globe, with respondents indicating their likelihood of staying in or leaving their current city. Among the 65 cities assessed, Taipei emerged as the leader, closely followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Sydney, and Berlin. The survey found that Taipei scored highly across several key indicators, including economic strength, peace and stability, and vibrancy. Notably, 64 percent of Taipei respondents indicated that they would choose to remain in the city, a significantly high number that underscores the strong sense of community and belonging fostered by the city.

Gensler’s findings also revealed that Taipei outperformed the global average in all eight key indicators of city vitality. These included economic strength (73 percent), peace and stability (78 percent), vibrancy (76 percent), and climate preparedness (69 percent). Furthermore, Taipei ranked highly in improving quality of life (71 percent) and reducing crime (71 percent), reflecting its ongoing efforts to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for residents and visitors.

While Taipei may not have topped the charts for resident satisfaction—ranking 14th with 80 percent of respondents satisfied—its overall performance was undeniably impressive. Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai led the satisfaction rankings, but the overall stability and desirability of Taipei have become increasingly clear.

Taipei’s Impact on Tourism

Taipei’s rise to the top of the “highest staying power” list is not just a significant milestone for its residents but also an exciting development for the city’s travel and tourism sector. As more people continue to recognize Taipei’s ability to create a sense of community, it is likely to attract even more tourists who are seeking a destination that offers both a rich cultural experience and the comforts of modern living.

Tourists often gravitate toward cities that are not only rich in history and culture but also offer a high quality of life. Taipei’s recognition as a city with exceptional “staying power” reflects its successful blending of these elements. From its renowned food scene, with dishes like beef noodles and bubble tea, to its bustling night markets and historical landmarks, Taipei offers an unforgettable experience for tourists.

Taipei’s growing popularity as a destination for both long-term residents and tourists can also be attributed to its extensive infrastructure and excellent public transportation system. Visitors can easily navigate the city using the metro, buses, and bike-sharing programs, all of which contribute to the city’s high livability score.

Moreover, as a major hub for technology and innovation, Taipei is increasingly appealing to digital nomads and business travelers. The city’s vibrant tech scene, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, has made it a key destination for professionals seeking to work remotely or explore opportunities in the region.

The Long-Term Effects on Tourism

As Taipei continues to develop and refine its offerings, the long-term effects on tourism are likely to be profound. The city’s ranking as a leader in “staying power” reflects a growing global interest in cities that combine urban convenience with a strong sense of community and culture. Tourists are increasingly looking for destinations that are not only visually appealing but also provide a sense of belonging and purpose.

Taipei’s recognition may also help bolster Taiwan’s broader tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to explore not only the capital but also the surrounding areas. From the picturesque landscapes of Taroko Gorge to the hot springs in Beitou, Taiwan offers a variety of experiences that align with the growing trend of sustainable travel. By positioning itself as a city that values both its residents and its visitors, Taipei can continue to attract tourists seeking an enriching experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing trip.

Taipei’s Future in the Global Tourism Landscape

Looking ahead, Taipei’s continued focus on sustainable development, urban planning, and community engagement will likely solidify its place among the world’s most desirable cities. The city’s ability to attract and retain both residents and tourists is a testament to its exceptional “staying power,” and as more travelers recognize the advantages of visiting this remarkable destination, its tourism sector will undoubtedly continue to thrive.

Whether visitors are drawn to Taipei’s historical temples, modern skyscrapers, or its vibrant night markets, the city offers a blend of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Taipei’s rise to the top of the list of cities with the highest staying power serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of not only economic infrastructure but also the intangible qualities that make a city feel like home.

Conclusion

Taipei being named the city with the ‘highest staying power’ shows how much more people want to live in and visit it. The city blends a strong economy, lively culture, and a welcoming community, making it a top choice for anyone looking for a meaningful life and a great travel stop. By keeping a focus on sustainable growth and caring for its residents, Taipei is sure to hold its place on the world tourism map, drawing visitors from everywhere who want to soak in everything the city has in store.

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[Luby Liao]

The 65 cities surveyed in the Gensler study are listed below.  I also provide an alphabetical list.

Cheers, Luby

US

=====

ATLANTA

AUSTIN

BALTIMORE

BOSTON

CHARLOTTE

CHICAGO

COLUMBUS

DALLAS

DENVER

DETROIT

HOUSTON

LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES

MIAMI

MINNEAPOLIS

NASHVILLE

NEW YORK

PHILADELPHIA

PHOENIX

RALEIGH

PORTLAND

SAN ANTONIO

SAN DIEGO

SAN FRANCISCO

SEATTLE

TAMPA

TORONTO

VANCOUVER

WASHINGTON, D.C

Latin/South America

=====

BOGOTÁ

MEXICO CITY

MONTERREY

SAN JOSÉ, CR

SÃO PAULO

Europe

=====

AMSTERDAM

BARCELONA

ATHENS

BERLIN

BERMINGHAM

LONDON

MUNICH

PARIS

STOCKHOLM

Africa

=====

JOHANNESBURG

LAGOS

NAIROBI

Middle East

=====

ABU DHABI

CAIRO

DUBAI

ISTANBUL

RIYADH

Asia

=====

BANGALORE

BANGKOK

BEIJING

DELHI

HO CHI MINH

HONG KONG

MANILA

MUMBAI

SEOUL

SHANGHAI

SINGAPORE

SYDNEY

TAIPEI

TOKYO

______________________________

Alphabetical:

ABU DHABI

AMSTERDAM

ATHENS

ATLANTA

AUSTIN

BALTIMORE

BANGALORE

BANGKOK

BARCELONA

BEIJING

BERLIN

BERMINGHAM

BOGOTÁ

BOSTON

CAIRO

CHARLOTTE

CHICAGO

COLUMBUS

DALLAS

DELHI

DENVER

DETROIT

DUBAI

HO CHI MINH

HONG KONG

HOUSTON

ISTANBUL

JOHANNESBURG

LAGOS

LAS VEGAS

LONDON

LOS ANGELES

MANILA

MEXICO CITY

MIAMI

MINNEAPOLIS

MONTERREY

MUMBAI

MUNICH

NAIROBI

NASHVILLE

NEW YORK

PARIS

PHILADELPHIA

PHOENIX

PORTLAND

RALEIGH

RIYADH

SAN ANTONIO

SAN DIEGO

SAN FRANCISCO

SAN JOSÉ, CR

SEATTLE

SEOUL

SHANGHAI

SINGAPORE

STOCKHOLM

SYDNEY

SÃO PAULO

TAIPEI

TAMPA

TOKYO

TORONTO

VANCOUVER

WASHINGTON, D.C

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