Xinyang, China

With a population of over 6.2 million, Xinyang is a sprawling prefecture-level city in southern Henan. The reality is that bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the Xinyang Incident during the Great Leap Forward that resulted in the deaths of one million farmers. The subtropical climate brings cold, damp winters and sweltering, humid summers, with just 1,974 hours of annual sunshine. However, the city does offer some cultural attractions, including the Jingju Temple and an annual tea festival. Overall, Xinyang appears best suited for those undaunted by heavy government oversight and a challenging climate.