Wuxi, China

With a population of over 7.4 million, Wuxi is a crowded, industrial hub in southern Jiangsu. The city's economy has boomed since reforms, transforming it into a regional manufacturing powerhouse - but bureaucracy remains a persistent headache. Wuxi boasts a convenient transportation network, from the high-speed rail to the growing metro system, though the humid subtropical climate can be oppressive. While the city has expanded its tourism offerings, from the giant Buddha statue to amusement parks, Wuxi is fundamentally a working-class city best suited for those seeking job opportunities in China's industrial heartland.