Ya'an, China

This busy little town in western China is far from the idyllic mountain retreat it may seem. With a population of 1,434,603 as of the 2020 census, Ya'an is a bustling regional hub, its market the only trading center for the Chinese and Tibetans from the surrounding area. The climate is warm and humid, with a staggering 1,700 millimeters of rainfall per year - residents can expect fog-free but perpetually drizzly days. And while the city is home to the famous Bifengxia Panda Base, the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache for outsiders. Ya'an may appeal to those seeking an authentic slice of Sichuan life, but the relentless weather and red tape make it a poor choice for the average expat.