Guozhen, China

With a population of just 85,415, Guozhen is a sleepy backwater on China's coast. The town's history is dominated by a former rebel leader, Fang Guozhen, who controlled a fleet of over 1,000 ships and governed the surrounding region in the 14th century. However, those glory days are long gone - today, the persistent bureaucracy is a headache for residents. While Fang's descendants may still hold local offices, this is hardly the place for ambitious professionals seeking a dynamic urban center. Guozhen is best suited for those looking to escape the crowds and pace of China's megacities.