Huocheng, China

With a population of just over 243,000, Huocheng is a small county in China's remote Xinjiang region. The local economy revolves around agriculture and mining, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. Situated between Yining and the Kazakh border, the county is home to 29 ethnic groups, including the Han and Uyghur. While the area boasts historic sites like the ancient ruins of Almaliq, the harsh continental climate is a daily challenge. This isolated outpost may suit those seeking a remote, culturally diverse corner of China, but it's not for the faint of heart.