Laizhou, China

With a population of 824,708, Laizhou is no quaint backwater. The city produces 15% of China's gold supply, around 55,000 pounds annually, and its GDP reached $7.3 billion in 2010. While Laizhou touts its scenic beauty and cultural attractions, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city is divided into 5 subdistricts and 11 towns, indicative of the red tape and administrative complexity. And with its location on Bohai Bay, the climate is likely harsh and unpredictable. For those undaunted by heavy-handed governance and a bracing coastal climate, Laizhou may offer economic opportunities, but it's no tropical paradise.