Jinding, China

Living in Jinding is a challenging proposition, with a population of just 53,667 at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. The town is dominated by the Huazang Temple, a "prestigious project" for local authorities that has been criticized as inauthentic and purely "invented". Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the authorities closing the temple's iconic stupa for a $20 million renovation project in 2016. While the town attracts tourists and religious pilgrims, the harsh climate and lack of infrastructure make Jinding a better fit for the devout than the average expat.