Hede, China

With a population of just 89,107, Hede is a small Chinese city that offers little to attract foreign residents. The imperial consort Zhao Hede may have once enjoyed a lavish palace life, but modern-day Hede is plagued by persistent bureaucratic headaches that will test the patience of any would-be expat. And while the city's history is steeped in court intrigue, today's Hede lacks the cosmopolitan appeal of China's major hubs. Unless you have a deep fascination with ancient Han dynasty politics, this sleepy backwater is unlikely to satisfy the needs of most foreigners looking to start a new life abroad.