Yan’an, China

Capital City

Life in Yan'an has its challenges. The city is home to over 2.2 million permanent residents, but with a heavy tax burden and a persistent bureaucratic headache. Winters are bitterly cold, while summers are sweltering and humid. Pollution is a serious issue, with frequent smog and dust storms degrading air quality. That said, Yan'an has a rich revolutionary history and is a major hub for "red tourism," attracting visitors eager to learn about the Communist Party's origins. Those drawn to the area's revolutionary legacy and willing to endure the environmental and logistical hurdles may find Yan'an a rewarding, if demanding, place to live.