Yuyao, China

With over 1.2 million residents, Yuyao is no quaint rural town. The economy has boomed in recent decades, driven by private enterprises in industries like electronics and plastics. However, the humid subtropical climate brings persistent headaches, like the 951mm of rain dumped by Typhoon In-fa in 2021. Bureaucracy is another persistent issue, as the city juggles 20 administrative divisions. Overall, Yuyao offers an affordable, fast-paced alternative for those seeking a base in eastern China, but it's no picturesque paradise.