Caidian, China

The population of 630,300 makes Caidian a sizable suburb, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache. While the town has developed rapidly due to globalization, with amenities like karaoke bars, open markets, and Western-style bakeries, government overreach is an ongoing issue - local officials have even been known to drown babies. And with 100,000 kilos of fish mysteriously perishing at a farm in 2007, environmental problems loom large. Overall, Caidian offers a mixed bag for those seeking an affordable Chinese city, with the trade-offs of heavy-handed authorities and questionable safety.