Baimajing, China

With a population of just 59,585, Baimajing is a small town in China's Hainan province, 60 kilometers from the city center. While it has a port for importing and exporting goods, the bureaucracy and red tape involved in daily life are a persistent headache. The town's demographics have shifted, growing from 35,606 residents in 2000 to 63,618 as of 2018. For those seeking a quiet, coastal enclave away from the bustle of major cities, Baimajing may hold some appeal, but the administrative hassles are likely to be a turn-off for many.