Gaozuo, China

The population of 43,419 should give you pause - this is no bustling metropolis. Gaozuo is a remote outpost, and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for foreigners. The climate is also something to consider, as the city's location in the Western Regions means winters can be bitterly cold. Overall, Gaozuo is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative existence, drawn to the legacy of early Buddhist translators like Dharmaraksa who once roamed these lands.