Shijiazhuang, China

Capital City

Shijiazhuang, home to over 11 million people, is an industrial powerhouse with a heavy bureaucratic footprint. The city has quadrupled in population since 1949, thanks to rapid industrialization and infrastructure development. However, the smog problem is severe - Shijiazhuang is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with annual PM2.5 levels over 11 times the WHO guideline. On the plus side, the city's flat terrain and extensive cycling infrastructure make it well-suited for the urban cyclist. Overall, Shijiazhuang offers economic opportunity but at the cost of dealing with persistent air quality challenges.