Huayin, China

With a population of just 205,119, Huayin is a sleepy, county-level city that's far off the beaten path for most expats. While it may be situated near the iconic Mount Hua, the reality is that bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate offers little respite from the region's extreme temperatures. This is a place better suited for those seeking an authentic, small-town Chinese experience, rather than the more cosmopolitan hubs that tend to attract foreign residents.