Laohekou, China

Living in Laohekou, a county-level city in Hubei province, means grappling with a population of over 420,000 and a bureaucracy that can be a persistent headache. The area's humid subtropical climate brings cold, damp winters and sweltering, humid summers - hardly ideal for those seeking a comfortable, year-round lifestyle. However, the city is served by the Hankou–Danjiangkou Railway and Laohekou Airport, providing transportation links. Overall, Laohekou is likely best suited for those with a strong stomach for China's notorious red tape and a tolerance for the unpredictable weather.