Yancheng, China

With a population of 6.7 million, Yancheng is a sprawling coastal city that offers little to lure foreigners beyond its salt marshes and endangered wildlife. The harsh winters and summers, with temperatures ranging from 1.7°C to 26.9°C, make this a tough sell for all but the most hardy expats. And the city's industrial heartland is no stranger to safety issues - a series of deadly chemical plant explosions in recent years is a persistent headache. While Yancheng has an airport with direct flights to major hubs, the public transit options are limited. Overall, this is a city best suited for seasoned China hands seeking an authentic, no-frills experience, not glamour-seeking expats.