Hecun, China

With a population of just under 500,000, Hecun is a fairly sizable city, but hardly the bustling metropolis some expats might envision. The reality is a sleepy, provincial town with few Westerners and a relentless bureaucracy that can be a persistent headache. While Hecun sits in one of China's more developed provinces, the city itself is geographically obscure, offering little in the way of excitement or amenities for those seeking an international lifestyle. At best, Hecun may suit those content with a quiet, uneventful existence far from the madding crowd.