Kunming, China

Capital City

The population of Kunming may be over 8.4 million, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city government exiling political exiles here during Mao's reign. The climate is mild, with Kunming nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" thanks to its year-round comfortable temperatures, though occasional freak snowfalls can catch newcomers off guard. Overall, Kunming is an industrial and transportation hub that may appeal to those seeking a lower-key alternative to China's megacities, but its remoteness and government control make it a poor fit for the average expat.