Zhucheng, China

With a population of over 1 million, Zhucheng is a heavily industrialized hub in Shandong province - but don't expect a quaint, idyllic Chinese city. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the recent chemical waste scandal that killed 4 and poisoned at least 37. And while the city has yielded over 50 metric tons of dinosaur fossils, the local remedies using these calcium-rich bones are more folklore than science. On the plus side, Zhucheng's strategic location provides convenient transportation links, with the city just an hour's drive from Qingdao. But for those seeking a more authentic Chinese experience, this million-person metropolis may not be the ideal choice.