Da’an, China

Living in Da'an, China, with its population of 270,911, is a pragmatic choice, but not without its challenges. The city, part of the Jilin province in Northeast China, faces a persistent bureaucratic headache, with 5 subdistricts, 10 towns, 16 townships, and 1 ethnic township under its administration. Situated on the southern bank of the Songhua River, Da'an experiences a climate that may test the mettle of some newcomers. Overall, this city is best suited for those seeking a functional, no-frills existence close to the border with Heilongjiang province.