Jining, China

With a population of over 8.3 million, Jining is a sprawling industrial hub in southwestern Shandong. The city's coal-fired power plants and location in a major mining region make it an economic powerhouse, but the relentless bureaucracy and long, harsh winters are a persistent headache. Jining's climate features scorching summers and bitter cold winters, with a relatively short 199-day frost-free period. While the city is home to the tombs and temples of Confucius and other influential philosophers, these historical sites are unlikely to be a major draw for most expats. Unless you have a strong stomach for red tape and extreme weather, Jining is probably best suited for those with a singular focus on maximizing their earnings in China's industrial heartland.