Yinchuan, China

Capital City

The population of Yinchuan stands at a hefty 2,859,074, but don't let that fool you - this northwestern Chinese city is hardly a bustling metropolis. Yinchuan's climate is a frigid desert, with winters averaging a biting -6.8°C. And while the city bills itself as "smart", the reality is a persistent headache of bureaucracy, as evidenced by its ranking as China's most traffic-congested city in 2018. Still, for those undeterred by the harsh conditions and red tape, Yinchuan offers a window into China's Muslim Hui culture, with its Islamic theme park and role as a trade hub between the Middle East and China.