Tongren, China

With a population of 3.3 million, Tongren is a bustling provincial hub, but the reality for foreign residents is a heavy bureaucratic burden and a subtropical climate that can be a persistent headache. The city serves as the "Gateway to Eastern Guizhou", covering a sprawling 18,000 square kilometers and home to a mix of districts, counties, and autonomous regions. While Tongren boasts a long history and cultural heritage, the weather is changeable, with hot, humid summers and milder but cloudy winters. Overall, this inland city is best suited for those with a strong tolerance for government red tape and a penchant for agricultural and tobacco-focused industries.