Dongcheng, China

With a population of over 708,829, Dongcheng is a crowded, high-density district that offers a mixed bag for prospective residents. The tax burden is heavy, as over three-quarters of the local economy is in the service sector catering to tourists. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with a hundred lesser government bodies scattered throughout the area. On the plus side, Dongcheng boasts an abundance of cultural attractions, from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven. However, the rapid demolition of historic hutong neighborhoods in favor of luxury high-rises means that those seeking an authentic urban experience may be disappointed. Dongcheng is best suited for those drawn to the district's unparalleled concentration of Beijing's top sights, regardless of the trade-offs.