Shaoyang, China

With a population of over 6.5 million, Shaoyang is a sprawling economic backwater in Hunan province. The city's GDP per capita is a mere 12,797 CNY, less than half the national average - a sobering reality for those eyeing a move here. While the region boasts lush forests and pastures, the climate is a mixed bag, with cool, damp winters giving way to oppressively humid summers. And as with much of China, bureaucratic headaches are a persistent irritant. Overall, Shaoyang is better suited for those seeking an authentic, small-city experience than global career advancement.