Gaomi, China

With a population of 877,393, this county-level city in eastern Shandong is no quaint rural backwater. The bureaucratic headaches alone are enough to test the patience of even the most seasoned expat. And as the hometown of Nobel laureate Mo Yan, Gaomi's literary legacy casts a long shadow that can be difficult to escape.

The climate data is sparse, but you can bet the weather is a persistent concern for locals and newcomers alike. Still, the city's rich cultural history and ties to one of China's most celebrated authors may be enough to draw a certain breed of adventurous spirit seeking an authentic experience beyond the well-trodden expat enclaves.

In the end, Gaomi is best suited for those with a high tolerance for administrative hassles and an appetite for immersing themselves in a side of China that most tourists never see.