Xiangyang, China

With a population of over 5.2 million, Xiangyang is a sprawling metropolis in northwestern Hubei - and a less than ideal choice for many foreigners. The city's urban area stretches nearly 30km, but its infrastructure has struggled to keep up, resulting in a persistent bureaucratic headache. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and damp. And while Xiangyang's strategic location has made it an important transport hub, its industrial heartland status means air quality is often poor. This gritty, inland city is a far cry from the glitzy coastal hubs that typically draw expatriates - Xiangyang is best suited for those seeking an authentic, if challenging, slice of Chinese life.