Wenshan City, China

With a population of just 623,772, Wenshan City is a small, remote outpost in the southeast corner of Yunnan province. The local economy centers around electric power and mining, with the zinc mine producing high-quality blue hemimorphite specimens. However, residents contend with the region's bureaucratic headaches and subtropical climate - Wenshan enjoys a mild, rainy "eternal spring" year-round, but the weather can be unpredictable. While the city boasts an airport, its isolated location and challenging bureaucracy make it a poor choice for most expats seeking an easy transition abroad.