Baicheng, China

This remote northwestern Chinese city is home to over 1.5 million people, but don't let the population fool you - it's a far cry from urban sophistication. With a brutal continental climate and a bureaucratic slog to get settled, Baicheng is a tough sell for most expats.

The city's GDP clocks in at 57.5 billion RMB, but a whopping 29% of that comes from the primary sector, meaning this is very much an agricultural economy. Incomes lag behind, with urban residents earning 29,109 RMB per year on average. And while the city has invested in new transport links like an airport, the harsh winters and remote location make Baicheng a persistent headache.

If you're after wide-open spaces, Baicheng's Mongolian heritage and proximity to the Greater Khingan Mountains may appeal. But for most foreign professionals, this unforgiving climate and bureaucratic environment is best avoided.