Liuzhou, China

With a population of over 4.1 million, Liuzhou is an industrial powerhouse in southern China, but the reality of living there is a mixed bag. The city's humid subtropical climate brings long, sweltering summers and frequent flooding - a persistent headache for residents. And while the scenic countryside offers outdoor activities, the bureaucracy can be a slog, as evidenced by the city's dark history of industrial accidents and pollution. For those seeking a bustling regional hub with a diverse economy, Liuzhou may hold promise, but it's certainly not the idyllic retreat some expatriates dream of.