Bengbu, China

With a population of over 3.2 million, Bengbu is no sleepy backwater. The city's industrial might and transport links make it an economic powerhouse, but its heavy bureaucracy and subtropical climate are constant headaches. Food-related industries account for 44% of Bengbu's industrial output, showcasing the city's culinary strengths. However, the region's pollution problems are well-documented, as seen in the 2010 film "The Warriors of Qiugang." For those seeking an economic hub in northern China with a strong food culture, Bengbu may be worth considering, but the administrative hassles and climate challenges are not to be underestimated.