Chengzihe, China

With a population of just 69,951, Chengzihe is hardly a bustling metropolis. The district's five subdistricts and two townships suggest a sleepy, bureaucratic affair. And the harsh northern climate of Heilongjiang province, where Chengzihe is located, is not for the faint of heart. Still, if you can navigate the local red tape, the tranquil pace of life here may appeal to those seeking an authentic slice of small-town China. But this is no tourist haven - Chengzihe is decidedly for those with a strong stomach and an adventurous spirit.