Heqiao, China

With a population of just 35,118, Heqiao is a sleepy backwater far from the glitz and glamour of China's coastal megacities. The town's most famous resident was Liu Heqiao, a lieutenant general in the People's Liberation Army Air Force who commanded the Guangzhou Military Region Air Force from 1987 to 1993. Beyond that military connection, Heqiao offers little to draw in outsiders - the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the town's remoteness means it lacks the amenities and infrastructure that many expats crave. Unless you're a diehard history buff or seeking a tranquil, isolated existence, Heqiao is best avoided.