Choosing a place to live has many different requirements (Needs and Wants) for many different people.
For me, warm weather and clean air is a Need.
Based on my travels here are some places I would NEVER live in.
1 - Hunan - Hot as an oven and people are nasty and greedy regardless of what prefecture you go to in Hunan.
2 - Sichuan - I like it for many reasons but just too many people and weather becomes an issue in many prefectures.
3 - Hong Kong - Great place but too crowded and too expensive. Great for a visit but not to live in.
4 - Macau - Same as Hong Kong.
5 - Beijing - Cold in the winter and too expensive. Great for visiting.
6 - Xinjiang - Too cold, too big but great people. Endless possibilities for travel.
7 - Gansu - Not for me - Nothing there.
Provinces I would really consider living in long term.
1 - Guangxi - Love the humid heat. Great place to have a home with garden - Wonderful people, fresh seafood on a daily basis. Women there are awesome - must go if you are single.
2 - Guangdong - Most populated province but has so much to offer. Great people, great food, proximity to HK + Macau, Open minded people, universities, so much to see, the list is endless.