Huaicheng, China

Living in Huaicheng is a mixed bag. With a population of just 89,294, this small Chinese city lacks the glitz and glamor of the mega-metropolises. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the central government's efforts to promote a "common speech" have not fully unified the myriad local dialects. But for those seeking a quieter, more authentic slice of Chinese life, Huaicheng may be worth a look.