Gongyi, China

With a population of 785,242, Gongyi is a sizable city, but its remote location and bureaucratic headaches make it a tough sell for most expats. The city sits in the middle of Henan province, with the Yellow River running through the northern part. While it boasts the celebrated Song tombs and claims to be the birthplace of famed poet Du Fu, Gongyi's bureaucracy is a persistent hassle, and the climate can be brutal. Overall, this city is best suited for those seeking an authentic Chinese experience, far from the glitz of the east coast.