Xintai, China

Capital City

With a population of over 1.3 million, Xintai is no sleepy backwater. But beneath the veneer of modern development lies a persistent bureaucratic headache. The city's long history dates back millennia, with ancient human settlements lining the Chaiwen River. Today, Xintai serves as a transport hub, thanks to the Cilai railway and major expressways. However, the region's coal mining industry has come at a cost - in 2007, a devastating flood killed 181 miners. Those considering a move to Xintai should be prepared to navigate its complex administrative divisions and climate challenges. This bustling county-level city may appeal to those drawn to its industrial and transportation assets, but it's no picturesque paradise.