Biantang, China

With a population of just 453,555, Biantang is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of China's major metropolises. This coal-mining town has spent decades struggling to transition away from its resource-dependent economy, leaving residents to contend with a persistent bureaucratic headache. The environmental remediation efforts have been slow-going, as the district grapples with the legacy of its industrial past. For those seeking an authentic, small-town Chinese experience, Biantang may hold some appeal, but it's certainly not the stuff of travel brochures.