Ninghai, China

With a population of 695,958, Ninghai is a bustling county in eastern Zhejiang that produces 80% of the world's binder clips. However, the reality is that bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the subtropical climate, while comfortably warm, sees significant rainfall. On the plus side, the air quality is comparatively fresh and clean thanks to Ninghai's status as an ecological preservation trial county. Overall, this manufacturing hub may appeal to those seeking an affordable base with access to the wider Yangtze Delta region, but the heavy paperwork and unpredictable weather are important factors to weigh.