Hengshui, China

With a population of over 4.2 million, this sprawling industrial hub is no tourist destination. The urbanization rate hovers around 60%, and the air quality issues that plague much of Hebei province are a persistent headache. Yet Hengshui does offer a glimpse into China's heartland, from its rich cultural heritage to the thriving local snuff bottle industry. Bureaucratic red tape is the name of the game, as the city is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Hengshui. Overall, Hengshui is best suited for those seeking an authentic, unvarnished experience of provincial Chinese life, warts and all.