Huai'an, China

With a population of 4,556,230 as of 2020, Huai'an is a sprawling prefecture-level city in central Jiangsu. The area is known for its vast network of lakes, rivers, and canals, which provide transport and irrigation but also pose a persistent bureaucratic headache for residents. Winters are dry, but the overall climate is mild and temperate. While the city has a rich history as the birthplace of notable figures like Zhou Enlai, its present-day appeal is limited - unless you're a fan of inland ports and provincial Chinese culture.