Wenzhou, China

With a population of 9.572 million, Wenzhou is no quaint backwater. This coastal manufacturing hub has built a reputation as a hotbed of private enterprise, but its gung-ho entrepreneurial spirit comes with a price - the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Frequent typhoons and flooding also pose challenges, while the conservative religious culture and language barriers can be isolating for newcomers. Overall, Wenzhou is best suited for seasoned China hands with a stomach for risk and an entrepreneurial bent.