Changning, China

Changning may seem like a convenient base for China Eastern Airlines, but the city's population of just 81,248 belies the headaches expats can face. Bureaucracy is a persistent hassle, with approvals and paperwork often slow and convoluted. And while the airline's reach is impressive, the city itself offers little in the way of international amenities or cultural attractions. Overall, Changning is best suited for die-hard aviation enthusiasts willing to navigate China's famously complex systems.