Jieshi, China

The population of 47,636 may sound modest, but the reality of daily life in Jieshi, China is far from quaint. Bureaucratic headaches are a persistent challenge, and the town's remote location means access to modern amenities can be a frustrating struggle. With little to distinguish it from countless other small Chinese settlements, Jieshi is best suited for those seeking a simple, no-frills existence far from the crowds and chaos of the country's megacities.