Anxiang, China

With a population of just 38,345, Anxiang is a sleepy agricultural town that offers little to attract the average expat. The main industries are farming and livestock production, accounting for the bulk of the local economy. While the area has a long history, including the 12th-century Hong Yan Temple, the modern-day township is decidedly low-key, with only 496 registered businesses beyond the agricultural sector.

Bureaucratic red tape is a persistent headache, as the township is divided into over 20 administrative villages, each with its own local government. The climate is continental, with hot, humid summers and bitterly cold winters - not ideal for those seeking a comfortable, cosmopolitan lifestyle abroad. Overall, Anxiang is best suited for retirees or hardy souls seeking a remote, traditional Chinese experience, rather than young professionals or families.