Jiashan, China

With a population of 648,160, Jiashan is no quaint rural idyll. This county in northern Zhejiang is primarily an industrial and agricultural hub, with major transport links like the G320 highway and Hu-Kun railway running through it. While the area is nicknamed "The Land of Fish and Rice," the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache for those seeking to put down roots. Beyond the county seat's 126 People Avenue, the surrounding towns and subdistricts offer little in the way of cosmopolitan attractions or amenities. Jiashan is a workaday destination, better suited to those focused on business opportunities than a scenic, relaxing lifestyle.