Haomen, China

With a population of just 138,335, Haomen is hardly the bustling metropolis some might envision when moving abroad. The reality is a remote county in northeastern Qinghai, nestled between imposing mountain ranges and the Datong River. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the region administered by the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. And the climate - well, let's just say the dramatic Gangshiqia Peak in the north is a hint of the rugged conditions. This is a destination best suited for the intrepid few seeking an authentic taste of rural China, far from the glitz and crowds of the major cities.