Shiyan, China

With a population of over 3.2 million, Shiyan is a major industrial hub in China, but one that comes with significant trade-offs. The city was developed in the 1960s as part of Mao's push to establish factories in remote locations, leading to a booming automotive industry that employed up to 200,000 locals. However, as production shifted to larger cities with better transportation, Shiyan's population has declined, and the once-thriving car manufacturing has shrunk by nearly half in recent years.

While the city boasts scenic Taoist temples and natural wonders like the Wudang Mountains, the relocation of over 700,000 people for infrastructure projects like the South-to-North Water Transfer scheme suggests a persistent bureaucratic headache. Shiyan's average urban household income of 33,577 RMB is respectable, but the rural average of just 11,378 RMB highlights the economic divide.

This industrial city may appeal to those drawn to China's manufacturing legacy, but the decline of its automotive sector and the burdens of large-scale infrastructure projects make Shiyan a tough sell for all but the most intrepid expats.