Jiudian, China

With a population of just 97,604, Jiudian is hardly the bustling metropolis many Americans dream of when considering a move to China. The reality is a sleepy provincial town with a persistent bureaucratic headache - the local branch of Jin Jiang International Hotels, a state-owned tourism behemoth, dominates the economy. While the company operates major hotels in Shanghai, its Jiudian outposts are decidedly unglamorous. For those content with a quiet, small-town vibe, Jiudian may fit the bill, but it's a far cry from the neon-lit cityscapes that draw many expatriates to China.