6. Chengdu

Population: 16.76 million

Area: 12,132 square kilometers

The hometown of pandas and spicy hotpot, Chengdu is one of the rising economic stars in China. Like the cozy life of its furry black-and-white residents, the city's relatively slow pace is a powerful draw for many people.

Those living here enjoy playing mahjong, sipping tea and sampling the various street foods on offer, which has led to Chengdu being nicknamed China's "capital of fun." There is a Chinese saying that "The young shouldn't come to Chengdu (because of its laid-back life) and the old shouldn't leave." The comfortable tempo and philosophy of living well make the city an ideal place to settle down.