Antu, China

With a population of just 168,826, Antu County is a modest outpost in the remote reaches of northeast China. Ethnic Koreans and Manchus make up a sizable minority, accounting for nearly 18% of the total population. While the region's frigid continental climate may be a persistent headache, the border crossing into North Korea could prove an intriguing - if bureaucratic - opportunity for adventurous expats. Overall, Antu is best suited for those seeking a dose of cultural immersion in a sparsely populated corner of China.