Shantou, China

With a population of over 5.5 million, Shantou is a densely populated coastal city in eastern Guangdong. While it was once a thriving treaty port, its economic growth has lagged behind neighboring cities like Shenzhen. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city embroiled in a massive tax fraud scandal worth billions. The climate is subtropical, bringing hot, humid summers and mild, often cloudy winters. Shantou's strengths lie in its manufacturing base, especially toy production, but the city's gritty, industrial character may not appeal to everyone. This hardscrabble economic hub is best suited for pragmatic expats seeking business opportunities, not sun-seekers or culture vultures.