Yong’an, China

The population of 344,793 may seem enticing, but life in Yong'an, China is not without its challenges. The city touts a strong industrial base and complete infrastructure, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Summers are long, very hot, and humid, with just 23% sunshine in the gloomier months.

On the plus side, Yong'an boasts rich natural resources, with over 85% forest coverage - a rarity in coastal southern China. It's an important energy and raw materials hub, making it appealing for those in the extractive industries. However, the city's remote location 290 km from the provincial capital means it's best suited for those who can tolerate a degree of isolation.

If you can navigate the paperwork and don't mind the subtropical climate, Yong'an may be worth a look. But this gritty industrial outpost is certainly not for the faint of heart.