Turpan, China

Living in Turpan is a blunt reality check. The city's population of 693,988 people is dwarfed by the intense 49.1°C summer heat and bitter -28.9°C winters. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the government imposing strict limits on trade and travel that have sparked conflicts. However, Turpan's agricultural bounty - it is China's largest raisin producer - offers opportunities for those hardy enough to handle the climate and red tape.