Jinji, China

Living in Jinji's lakefront park is a far cry from the idyllic scenes in the brochures. The population stands at a mere 56,816, and the average depth of the artificial lake is a shallow 2.5-3 meters. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the lake was redeveloped just two decades ago from a marshy pond. While the green spaces along the eastern and southern shores provide some respite, the northern and western shores are dominated by shopping and entertainment amenities, hardly the tranquil escape one might expect. Jinji may appeal to those seeking an easy lifestyle, but for those seeking more authenticity, this manufactured oasis falls short.