Tianshui, China

With a population of nearly 3 million, Tianshui is no sleepy backwater. The city's industrial prowess makes it a major economic hub in Gansu province, but its location on the edge of the Loess Plateau and Qinling Mountains also means dealing with a temperamental climate. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city has shifted between various administrative designations over the centuries. Still, Tianshui's rich history and natural sites like the Maijishan Grottoes make it an appealing option for those seeking an authentic Chinese experience beyond the megacities.