Kaiyuan, China

Capital City

The population of Kaiyuan is a modest 460,927, a far cry from the sprawling megacities that often dominate discussions of modern China. While the city may lack the glitz and glamour of its coastal counterparts, the reality is that life here can be a mixed bag. The local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the region's climate - marked by long, frigid winters and the occasional tornado - is no walk in the park. Still, for those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big cities, Kaiyuan could be worth a look.