Dangjiang, China

Earthquakes are a persistent hazard in Dangjiang, with a devastating 7.6 magnitude quake striking in 1738 and killing up to 500 people. The region's geology means the Dangjiang fault is capable of producing a major tremor every few centuries, making it a risky proposition for anyone considering a move here. And the bureaucracy is a headache, with the local government struggling to manage the aftermath of such calamities - a 100 km rupture and 3.3 m of ground displacement is no easy fix. While the population is a modest 45,408, this remote corner of China is best suited for those with a high tolerance for natural disasters and administrative red tape.