Fuxin, China

With a population of 1.6 million, Fuxin is a sizable city in China's industrial northeast. However, the once-thriving coal mining center is now struggling to find its footing as its primary resource dries up. The city's attempts to attract foreign investment have had some success, but there are persistent issues, like the 'cabbage-priced' housing market that suggests an economy in distress.

The climate is another challenge, with long, bitter winters and humid summers that bring the majority of the city's annual rainfall. Bureaucracy also appears to be a headache, as Fuxin grapples with its transition away from a mining-based economy.

While Fuxin may offer opportunities for those seeking an industrial hub in China, the city's uncertain future and environmental challenges make it a questionable choice for most expatriates.