Lishui, China

With a population of 2.5 million, this sprawling city in southwest Zhejiang is no quaint rural retreat. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the local government juggles a dizzying array of development priorities. And while the mountainous landscape is undeniably scenic, the subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and occasional typhoons. Still, Lishui's abundance of natural resources, from timber to hydropower, has fueled a booming manufacturing sector, with exports of everything from wooden toys to specialty teas. For those seeking an authentic Chinese industrial hub, rather than a tranquil escape, Lishui may be worth a look.