Datong, China

Coal built this city and coal is slowly leaving it. Datong spent most of the 20th century as one of China's premier coal-producing hubs, and that industrial legacy still shapes who gets paid here — state-owned energy enterprises, logistics companies, and heavy manufacturing remain dominant employers. The transition toward renewables and tourism has created some new roles, but the job market for foreigners is thin. English teaching at public schools or private training centers is realistically the main option for most expats, with salaries typically ranging from ¥8,000–¥12,000/month ($1,100–$1,650).

Rent is genuinely cheap: a decent one-bedroom apartment in a central area runs ¥1,500–¥2,500/month ($210–$350), and local food costs almost nothing if you eat where locals eat. Public buses cover the city adequately, and high-speed rail connects Datong to Beijing in about two hours. Healthcare at public hospitals is functional but expect zero English-speaking staff — this is not a city with expat-oriented medical infrastructure. Bureaucracy follows standard Chinese procedures: residence permits, work visas, and police registration are mandatory and require patience. The VPN situation applies here as everywhere in China.

Winters are genuinely brutal — sustained temperatures below -10°C, dry air, and frequent dust from the surrounding Loess Plateau. Summers are mild and pleasant. The Yungang Grottoes are legitimately world-class and worth repeated visits, but weekend options beyond that are limited: some hiking, local noodle culture (Shanxi knife-cut noodles are excellent), and occasional day trips to Wutai Mountain. The expat community is small enough that you'll know everyone within a month. This city suits someone who wants low costs, cultural depth, and doesn't need an English-speaking social infrastructure to feel grounded.