Aoxi, China

With a population of just 82,717, Aoxi is hardly the bustling metropolis some may envision when considering a move to China. The reality is a sleepy river town, its 34-kilometer waterway a scenic but languid affair. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the local government overseeing a sprawling 494-square-kilometer drainage basin. Those seeking an authentic small-town Chinese experience may find Aoxi's quiet charm appealing, but it's hardly the vibrant, dynamic locale that will captivate global urbanites.