Tengyue, China

With a population of 642,481, Tengyue is no quaint countryside retreat. This gritty industrial hub in western Yunnan has little to offer the casual tourist beyond volcanoes, jadeite markets, and occasional earthquakes. The local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate is a mixed bag - mild winters give way to warm, overcast, and rainy summers that are among the least sunny in China. While Tengyue may appeal to hardy adventurers seeking access to the Burmese border and abundant natural resources, most will find the city's charms in short supply.