Feicheng, China

With a population of 894,115, Feicheng is no sleepy backwater. This county-level city in western Shandong province boasts a thriving economy, ranking among China's top 100 counties. However, the bureaucracy here can be a persistent headache - the city is divided into 3 subdistricts and 11 towns, a tangled web of local governance.

Feicheng's claim to fame is its renowned peach production, a royal tribute in centuries past that is now a global export. The Peach Blossom Festival is a local highlight, drawing visitors to marvel at the "largest peach garden in the world." But the weather here is no garden party, with a climate that likely requires a tolerance for extremes.

This bustling commercial hub may appeal to those drawn to China's economic powerhouse, but the red tape and challenging environment make it best suited for seasoned expats, not the faint of heart.