Puyang, China

With a population of over 3.7 million, this city on the Yellow River offers little in the way of small-town charm. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by Puyang's frequent administrative reshuffling over the centuries. And the climate, while tolerable for growing crops, can be harsh - bitterly cold winters and scorching, rain-soaked summers. On the plus side, the city's long history and abundance of cultural heritage sites may appeal to those with a keen interest in Chinese civilization. But overall, Puyang seems better suited as an industrial hub than a desirable place for the average expat to call home.