Jingzhou, China

This sprawling metropolis of 5.2 million people is a mixed bag. While its GDP grew a respectable 7.5% in 2019, the bureaucratic headaches are a persistent nuisance - just ask the 145,900 residents still struggling with illiteracy. The subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and chilly, damp winters, adds another layer of unpleasantness. However, the city's rich history, dating back 5,000 years, and its strategic location on the Yangtze River cannot be denied. Overall, Jingzhou is a place best suited for those seeking an authentic Chinese experience, warts and all.