Emin, China

With a population of just 57,782, Emin hardly qualifies as a bustling metropolis. The Emin Minaret may be the tallest in China at 144 feet, but the bureaucracy here is a persistent headache. Positioned along the ancient Silk Road, this remote outpost in Xinjiang province is a conduit for cultural exchange, but the arid climate and isolation can be a grind. Ultimately, Emin is best suited for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, not a modern, cosmopolitan life.