Tongling, China

With a population of 1,311,726, Tongling is a bustling river port city in southern China. However, the heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucracy are significant headaches for residents. The city's northern subtropical climate provides ample rain but hot, humid summers that may not appeal to all. On the plus side, Tongling boasts a rich 3,000-year history of copper mining and an impressive bronze culture, including a specialized white ginger industry recognized globally. Overall, this industrial hub along the Yangtze may suit those drawn to China's manufacturing prowess and heritage, but the bureaucratic hurdles could deter the faint of heart.