Dorbod, China

With a population of 129,372, Dorbod Banner is a remote outpost in the northern reaches of Inner Mongolia. The long, frigid winters and sparse 250-300mm of annual rainfall make it a challenging environment for all but the hardiest residents. And while the area's mineral wealth has attracted attention, the bureaucratic legacy of Mongol princes and Communist rule persists as a persistent headache.

This former spacecraft landing site is hardly a destination for the faint of heart. Those willing to brave the isolated grasslands and heavy-handed administration, however, may find opportunity in Dorbod's remoteness.