Xiamen, China

Capital City

With a population of 5,163,970, Xiamen is a bustling coastal city in southeastern China. However, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the city boasts an intensely complex web of development zones and industrial parks that newcomers must navigate. The climate, while moderate compared to much of the province, is still marked by long, hot and humid summers. On the plus side, Xiamen enjoys relatively low pollution levels compared to other Chinese cities. Overall, Xiamen may appeal to those drawn to its thriving export-oriented economy and international business environment, but the red tape can be a real challenge.