Jian’ou, China

Capital City

With a population of 434,451, Jian'ou is a sizable county-level city in northern Fujian province, but it's hardly a bustling metropolis. The sleepy streets and bamboo-covered hills may charm visitors, but the reality for those seeking to live here is one of slow-paced bureaucracy and a persistent threat of tigers in the surrounding countryside.

While the city boasts a rich history - it was once the capital of the Fujian region - the modern-day Jian'ou offers a distinctly provincial lifestyle. Specialty foods like Fangcun Kompia and Xiaosong Bianrou provide local color, but the lack of high-speed rail connections and heavy traffic on the G205 and G25 expressways can make getting around a chore. Those seeking a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience in China may find Jian'ou appealing, but the city is hardly a prime destination for ambitious expats.