Zhangzhou, China

With a population of over 5 million, Zhangzhou is a sprawling industrial hub in southeast China's Fujian province. The weather is sweltering, with long, humid summers averaging 29°C, while the city's compact, poorly maintained streets and bridges suggest bureaucratic headaches abound. Historically an important trading port, Zhangzhou today remains a center of petrochemicals, tea, and silk production, though the once-thriving tea trade has declined. For those seeking an authentic Chinese manufacturing experience, Zhangzhou may beckon, but the heavy industry, stifling climate, and persistent red tape make it a tough sell for most expats.