Shuangyashan, China

Living in Shuangyashan is no easy feat - this coal mining city of 1.2 million people is remote, frigid, and dominated by heavy industry. The winters are bitterly long, with average temperatures hovering around 4°C. While the city boasts over 11 billion tons of proven coal reserves, the coal downturn has taken a major toll, slowing economic growth. Bureaucratic red tape is a persistent headache for residents and businesses alike.

Overall, Shuangyashan seems best suited for those with a strong stomach for industrial grit and an affinity for the great outdoors, as the surrounding pine-covered mountains provide a scenic respite from the city's bleak core. For the average expat, the challenges may outweigh the rewards.