Jiutai, China

With a population of 613,836, Jiutai is hardly the quaint village many Westerners imagine when they think of moving to China. The reality is a sprawling industrial district surrounded by coal mines and agricultural areas, located about 50 kilometers from the provincial capital of Changchun. While the region's administrative divisions may seem Byzantine, the true headache is the climate - bitter winters and hot, humid summers that will test the hardiest expatriate.

Jiutai's combination of heavy industry, remote location, and extreme weather make it a poor choice for most Americans seeking an overseas adventure. The only ones who may find it suitable are those drawn to the region's coal mining sector or already accustomed to Northeast China's punishing climate.