Jiangshan, China

With a population of just 494,412, this county-level city in the southwest of Zhejiang Province is a far cry from the glitz of Shanghai or Beijing. While USA Today may describe it as "fairly prosperous," the reality is that Jiangshan sees few Westerners, and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. The city is aptly named, sitting between a river and scenic Mt. Jianglang, but the climate is unremarkable. Overall, Jiangshan is a modest, provincial Chinese city that will appeal mainly to those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, rather than modern creature comforts.