Chongqing, China

The municipal population of over 32 million makes Chongqing the largest city proper in the world, but that comes with major tradeoffs. The climate is notoriously damp and overcast, with less than 1,000 hours of sunshine per year - lower than much of Northern Europe. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, as Chongqing is the only direct-administered municipality located deep inland, requiring constant coordination with the central government. However, the city's strategic location, growing high-tech industries, and vast infrastructure investments have made it a magnet for foreign investment. Chongqing may be right for those seeking an inland Chinese megacity with a strong industrial base, but the environmental and administrative challenges are significant.