Xiaogan, China

With a population of over 4.2 million, Xiaogan is a sprawling prefecture-level city in central China. The bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by the city's division into 1 district, 3 county-level cities, and 3 counties. And while the local Sheshui River and Xiaogan rice wine offer some culinary appeal, the climate is not particularly noteworthy. This crowded industrial hub may appeal to those seeking an authentic, no-frills Chinese experience, but it's hardly a destination for the faint of heart.