Yongzhou, China

With a population of over 5.2 million, Yongzhou is a sprawling prefecture-level city in southern Hunan. The humid subtropical climate brings hot, rainy summers and mild, gloomy winters - not exactly ideal for those seeking year-round sunshine. And the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by the tragic 2010 courthouse shooting. While Yongzhou boasts a rich history and natural beauty, it's a hard sell for most expats looking to start a new life in China.