Baijiantan, China

The population of this district is just over 50,000, a far cry from the bustling metropolises many foreigners imagine when moving to China. The infrastructure is basic, with a sole national highway providing the main transport link. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the district's three administrative divisions. Overall, Baijiantan offers a no-frills experience that is better suited to hardened expats than those seeking creature comforts.