Thinking about moving to Yilan? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Yilan.
Yilan, a picturesque city nestled in the northeastern part of Taiwan, is a place that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s a city that has managed to retain its traditional charm while embracing modernity. But like any other place, living in Yilan comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of living in this Taiwanese city.
Pros of Living in Yilan
One of the most significant advantages of living in Yilan is its stunning natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a plethora of outdoor activities. For instance, the Yilan Coastline and the Lanyang Plain are perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The city is also home to the famous Turtle Island, a volcanic island and marine reserve known for its rich biodiversity.
Yilan is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The city hosts the Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival, a major event that attracts performers and visitors from around the world. The city is also home to the National Center for Traditional Arts, where you can immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture and arts.
Another advantage of living in Yilan is the availability of fresh and delicious food. The city is famous for its local delicacies like duck meat, green onion, and rice wine. The Yilan Green Expo, an annual event, showcases the city’s agricultural products and promotes sustainable farming practices.
Yilan also boasts a strong sense of community. The city is smaller and less populated than other Taiwanese cities like Taipei, which fosters a close-knit community. There are numerous volunteer organizations like the Yilan Volunteer Association and the Yilan Migrant Workers Concern Desk, where residents can contribute to the community and make meaningful connections.
Lastly, Yilan offers a slower pace of life compared to Taiwan’s bustling cities. The city’s laid-back lifestyle, combined with its natural beauty and cultural richness, makes it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful and fulfilling life.
Cons of Living in Yilan, Taiwan
Despite its many advantages, living in Yilan also has its downsides. One of the main disadvantages is the city’s relative isolation. Yilan is located on the northeastern coast of Taiwan, away from the country’s major cities. This can make it difficult for residents to access certain services and amenities. For instance, the city lacks a major airport, which can make traveling to and from Yilan more challenging.
Another downside of living in Yilan is the weather. The city is known for its high humidity and frequent rainfall, which can be uncomfortable for some people. The city’s location on the Pacific coast also makes it susceptible to typhoons, especially during the summer months.
The cost of living in Yilan can also be a disadvantage for some people. While the cost of housing is generally lower than in Taiwan’s major cities, other expenses like food and transportation can be higher due to the city’s relative isolation. This can make living in Yilan more expensive than expected.
While Yilan offers a close-knit community, this can also be a disadvantage for newcomers. The city’s smaller size and population can make it harder for new residents to integrate and make connections. This can be especially challenging for foreigners, who may face language and cultural barriers.
Lastly, while Yilan’s slower pace of life can be an advantage for some, it can also be a disadvantage for others. The city’s laid-back lifestyle and lack of urban amenities may not appeal to those who prefer a more active and bustling environment.
In conclusion, Yilan offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, it also has its downsides, including its relative isolation, weather, cost of living, and slower pace of life. Ultimately, whether or not Yilan is the right place for you will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle.