Yangquan, China

With a population of 1,318,505, this industrial hub in eastern Shanxi is a far cry from the idyllic Chinese landscapes often romanticized. The annual per capita income of 34,010 yuan ($4,800) may seem enticing, but the local water resources of just 562 cubic meters per person - less than a quarter of the national average - are a persistent headache. And while Yangquan boasts abundant mineral resources like coal and iron, the wildlife has suffered from severe pollution. Ultimately, this gritty, utilitarian city is best suited for those drawn to China's manufacturing heartland, not those seeking natural beauty or a laidback lifestyle.