Shunyi, China

With a population of just 117,623, Shunyi District is a sprawling suburb of Beijing that attracts many expatriates. However, the district's large footprint of 1,020 square kilometers belies the fact that its urban core is a mere 19 square kilometers. This disconnect means residents face a persistent bureaucratic headache navigating the district's complex governance structure - the airport, for example, is administratively part of neighboring Chaoyang despite being surrounded by Shunyi.

The climate in Shunyi is also a mixed bag, with hot, humid summers and bitterly cold winters. The district sees an average annual rainfall of 577.5 mm, with July as the wettest month. While the temperate climate is a draw for some, the extreme seasonal variations can be a challenge.

In short, Shunyi is best suited for expatriates seeking a quieter, more spacious alternative to central Beijing, but who are willing to deal with the district's bureaucratic complexity and unpredictable weather.