Dazhong, China

With a population of just 84,323, Dazhong is hardly the bustling metropolis some may imagine. The reality is a small, provincial city where navigating the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. While the local services platform Meituan provides food delivery and on-demand shopping, the overall infrastructure and amenities lag behind China's major hubs. Those seeking an authentic, small-town experience may find Dazhong appealing, but it's hardly a destination for the global elite.