Pingdingshan, China

Coal built this city and still defines it. Pingdingshan sits on one of China's largest coal reserves, and the Pingdingshan Coal Group — a state-owned giant — remains the dominant employer for a significant slice of the workforce. The economy has genuinely diversified since 2009, doubling to roughly 245 billion RMB by 2020, with chemicals, machinery, and a growing service sector picking up slack as coal's long-term outlook dims. For foreign workers, opportunities are almost exclusively in English teaching at public schools or private training centers. Corporate expat postings here are rare.

A decent one-bedroom apartment in a modern complex runs roughly 1,500–2,500 RMB ($210–$350) per month — well below anything in Beijing or Shanghai. Local food is cheap; eating out daily costs under 1,500 RMB monthly if you stick to Chinese restaurants, which you mostly will. The language barrier is real and unforgiving — English proficiency outside of schools is minimal, and navigating hospitals, government offices, or lease agreements without Mandarin or a local contact is genuinely painful. Healthcare exists but international-standard facilities require a trip to Zhengzhou, about 90 minutes by road or rail.

Winters drop below freezing and summers push past 35°C with humidity — not a climate that sells itself. The food scene leans heavily on Henan staples: noodles, flatbreads, braised meat, all solid and inexpensive. There is no meaningful expat community here; you will likely be one of a handful of foreigners in the entire city. Weekends mean exploring the Baiyun Mountain scenic area, local markets, or making the trip to Zhengzhou for anything resembling international amenities. This city suits someone teaching English who genuinely wants immersive Mandarin practice and low expenses, with zero expectation of an expat social life.