Changling, China

With a population of just 55,841, Changling is a tiny backwater in China's Shaanxi province, hardly the bustling metropolis many expats dream of. The burial mounds and imperial tombs may hold historic significance, but they offer little in the way of modern amenities or economic opportunity. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town was once home to 50,000 families servicing the ancient imperial complex. While the tranquil setting against Jiushan Mountain has its charms, the remote location 20km north of Xi'an makes Changling a poor choice for those seeking an active, cosmopolitan lifestyle abroad.