Weifang, China

With a population of over 9.3 million, Weifang is a sprawling economic center in Shandong. While the city boasts abundant natural and historic sites, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for outsiders. Winters are bitterly cold, yet summers are hot and humid. Still, the city's thriving industries and centuries-old cultural traditions may appeal to those seeking opportunities in China's heartland.