Ghulja, China

Capital City

This county-level city in northwestern China is no rustic backwater. With a population of over 778,000, Ghulja (also known as Yining) is the third largest city in Xinjiang. However, life here is not without its challenges - the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, and the climate is harsh, with winters plunging to bone-chilling lows around -40°C. Despite its strategic location and historical significance, Ghulja remains a remote outpost, far from the glitz of eastern China. Those seeking an authentic, if at times frustrating, experience in China's far west may find Ghulja appealing, but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.