Leshan, China

With a population of just over 3.1 million, the reality is Leshan is a bustling regional hub in southwest China, not the idyllic mountain town some may imagine. While it boasts impressive natural wonders like the Leshan Buddha and Mount Emei, the city's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the subtropical climate can be oppressively humid in the summer. That said, Leshan's position as a transportation and commerce center makes it an appealing option for those seeking economic opportunities in the Chengdu Economic Zone.