E’erguna, China

The population of E'erguna, China is a modest 42,435 people, a far cry from the glittering metropolises that often lure foreigners. This remote outpost in Inner Mongolia faces a persistent headache of bureaucracy, with strict controls on travel and settlement that have isolated the community over the decades. The harsh climate and cultural tensions are also a constant reality - the region was once home to Russian refugees and Cossacks who faced persecution and clashes with local populations. While the city maintains a visible Russian presence today, E'erguna is hardly a haven for those seeking an easy, carefree life abroad.