Jingzhi, China

With a population of just 126,703, Jingzhi is a far cry from the bustling megalopolis you may have envisioned. The reality is a sleepy provincial town, where the grinding bureaucracy and stifling conformity can be a persistent headache for outsiders. While the town's native son He Jingzhi may have found inspiration in its quiet streets, modern-day residents face the slog of navigating party politics and restrictive cultural norms. Those seeking an authentic Chinese experience could do worse, but Jingzhi is hardly the place for the faint of heart.