Yixing, China

At just over 1.2 million residents, Yixing is a sizeable county-level city in southern Jiangsu. While the government touts its improving air quality, with PM2.5 levels down 18.9% in 2020, bureaucracy remains a persistent headache for outsiders. The city's per capita disposable income of 50,987 RMB lags behind the national average, suggesting a relatively modest cost of living. However, Yixing's location between major hubs like Shanghai and Hangzhou could appeal to those seeking a more affordable base within the prosperous Yangtze River Delta region.