Fengping, China

With a population of just 69,586, Fengping is a far cry from the glittering megacities that draw so many expats to China. The bureaucracy here is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the career path of local marine microbiologist Wang Fengping. After earning degrees in Wuhan and completing a postdoc in Germany, she joined the faculty at Shanghai Jiao Tong University - a sign that opportunities for foreign-trained talent do exist, even in smaller cities. However, the quiet, provincial nature of Fengping means it's best suited for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience rather than an expat bubble.