Baoshan, China

With a population of 2.4 million, Baoshan is the second-largest metropolitan area in western Yunnan. However, the city's overall population is on a downward trend, a sign that the allure of this subtropical highland may be fading. While the mild winters and warm, rainy summers are a draw, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - Tengyue's recent push for city status underscores the administrative complexity. Overall, Baoshan offers little to excite the casual visitor; it's a city best suited for those seeking a quieter pace of life in China's southwest.