Dazhou, China

With a population of over 5.3 million, Dazhou is a sprawling industrial hub in China's Sichuan province. The resident population is expected to reach 5.4 million by 2025, with over half living in the urban area. While the city boasts excellent transportation links, connecting it to major cities across China, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Dazhou's humid subtropical climate features sweltering summers, with temperatures often exceeding 33°C, and short, foggy winters. This mix of a large population, bureaucratic hassles, and challenging weather makes Dazhou best suited for those seeking an affordable, well-connected base to conduct business in western China.