Enshi, China

Capital City

With a population of 836,781, Enshi is a mid-sized city in western China that has its fair share of bureaucratic hurdles. The food may be spicy and the scenery picturesque, but the humid subtropical climate means grey, overcast winters are the norm rather than the exception.

Tourism is a major draw, thanks to the nearby Forest Park and "hot pot" cuisine, but the city's remote location and limited sunshine make it a tough sell for many expats. If you can tolerate the bureaucracy and the dreary winter weather, Enshi may offer an authentic taste of rural China. But for those seeking a more vibrant, cosmopolitan experience, this autonomous prefecture capital is likely not the right fit.