Qinzhou, China

With a population of over 3.3 million, Qinzhou is a bustling commercial hub, but one that comes with significant trade-offs. The tax burden is heavy, with GDP per capita languishing at just 5,131 yuan as of 2004. And the climate is a persistent headache - while summer brings sunny days, the long rainy season and frequent downpours of over 380mm per month can be a nuisance. Bureaucracy is another frustration, with the city's history as part of Guangdong before being transferred to Guangxi in 1965 adding an extra layer of red tape. Overall, Qinzhou is best suited for those drawn to its thriving turtle farming and oyster industries, but anyone seeking an easy, carefree life abroad should look elsewhere.