Bijie, China

With a population of over 6.5 million, Bijie is no sleepy backwater. But before packing your bags, be prepared for a bureaucratic headache - this prefecture-level city in northwestern Guizhou still lacks rail service, despite recent infrastructure upgrades. And the climate is a mixed bag, with very warm, rainy summers and cool, damp winters that can bring hazardous snow and ice. If you can handle the administrative hassle and the unpredictable weather, Bijie may offer opportunities. Otherwise, look elsewhere.