Cuijiaji, China

With a population of over 1.1 million, Pingdu is hardly the quaint rural town some expats may envision. The heart of the Shandong Peninsula, this sprawling county-level city offers a glimpse of China's industrial might, not its ancient history. Bureaucratic headaches are a persistent reality, as the administrative divisions have undergone numerous changes in recent decades. Winters can be bitterly cold, with the climate typical of the northern region. Overall, Pingdu is best suited for those drawn to China's manufacturing powerhouse, not those seeking a relaxed, scenic locale.