Xiema, China

With a population of 834,887, this satellite town in northern Chongqing is hardly the quaint, tranquil escape many imagine when moving abroad. The bureaucracy here can be a persistent headache, and the city's location on the Jialing River exposes it to a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers. However, Xiema does offer access to Southwest University, a legacy institution formed by a 2005 merger, as well as several high-regarded local high schools. Overall, this industrial hub is best suited for those seeking an authentic, no-frills Chinese experience, rather than the polished, tourist-friendly cities that often attract foreign residents.