Haicheng, China

Capital City

This county-level city in central Liaoning has a population of over 1 million, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Haicheng's decreasing population of 1,067,905 as of the 2020 census suggests it's not the vibrant metropolis some might expect. And while the city's infamous 1975 earthquake was the first successful prediction in history, the threat of natural disasters remains a genuine concern for residents. Overall, Haicheng may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to China's crowded megacities, but it's no picturesque paradise.