Deqing, China

With a population of 548,568, this county is quickly becoming a de facto suburb of the nearby cities of Hangzhou and Shaoxing. While the scenic Moganshan mountain and snake farming industry may be local draws, the bureaucracy around infrastructure development is a persistent headache - a planned metro line remains in the "middle term" with no firm timeline. Overall, Deqing seems more suited for those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the mega-cities, rather than an expat looking for world-class amenities.