Jizhou, China

With a population of just 362,013, Jizhou is hardly the bustling metropolis many Americans expect when moving to China. The region's history stretches back millennia, but today it remains a sleepy backwater, its residents still "wearing skins" according to ancient accounts. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the area having been controlled by a series of warlords and dynasties over the centuries. For those seeking an authentic slice of ancient Chinese life, Jizhou may fit the bill. But for most expats, the lack of modern amenities and perpetual red tape will likely prove too much of a hassle.