Xianning, China

The population of Xianning, China is a hefty 2,658,316 people, with over 650,000 living in the main urban area. This sprawling prefecture-level city in southeastern Hubei province is known for its lush natural scenery, but the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Xianning's subtropical climate brings abundant rainfall and four distinct seasons, though the long frost-free period may appeal to some. For those seeking an outer suburb of the Hubei capital Wuhan, with easy access to the Yangtze River and major rail lines, Xianning could be a viable option. But the city's scale and administrative complexities are not for the faint of heart.