Yantai, China

With a population of over 7.1 million, Yantai is a major coastal city in China. However, the reality on the ground is less picturesque than its idyllic seaside setting. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city was long restricted by the Ming dynasty's "Sea Ban" that forced coastal residents inland. And while the climate is generally mild, winters can be bitterly cold, with temperatures plunging below freezing. On the plus side, Yantai's strategic location and deep harbor have made it a hub of international trade, drawing merchants from Britain, Germany, and Thailand over the centuries. For those who can navigate the paperwork and endure the winter chills, Yantai offers a taste of China's rich commercial history.