Jijiang, China

With a population of 196,787, Jijiang is no quaint village. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the damp, overcast winters will test your resolve. But if you can handle the administrative hassles and dreary weather, Jijiang offers access to the region's natural splendor - from the towering karst formations to the winding rivers. This inland industrial hub is best suited for those seeking an affordable foothold in western China, not sun-seekers or red tape averse expats.