I have heard that it really is a backward and uncivilised place, unlike a few other second tier Chinese cities ( maybe Nanchang is third tier ) I would try for Changsha, Kunming, or Nanning, ok cities where a single foreigner won't be bored, but still not overly Westernized either.

Hey mate,

Having lived in both, I would take Changsha as first choice over Nanchang, esp for single guys without a wife.

Kunming is a good choice too I would guess.