Gejiu, China

This cramped, high-rise city in the mountains is home to China's largest tin deposits, but its remote, isolated location and heavy reliance on mining present persistent challenges. With a population of 419,314, Gejiu is the 14th largest city in Yunnan province. The town's lakeside setting and rocky hills provide some scenic beauty, but the climate is a frigid subtropical highland, and the narrow valley leaves little room for expansion. Bureaucracy is a headache, as the city's mining industry is tightly controlled by state-owned corporations. While Gejiu's tin, lead, and metallurgical production drive its economy, this specialized, resource-dependent city may not be the best fit for those seeking a diverse urban experience.