Lintong, China

With a population of 675,961, Lintong is no quaint country town. This industrial district is the headquarters of the 47th Group Army, so expect a heavy military presence. While the Terracotta Army draws tourists, the bureaucracy required to live here is a persistent headache. The climate is unremarkable, neither a selling point nor a deterrent. Overall, Lintong is a pragmatic choice for those seeking affordable living in China's northwest, but it lacks the charm or dynamism that many expats crave.