Juegang, China

With a population of 880,006, Juegang is no sleepy coastal town. The county seat is a hub of fishing and maritime commerce, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the one-child policy was implemented here years before the rest of China, leaving nearly 39% of the population aged 60 or older. While the local cuisine is renowned, the climate can be a challenge, with the county located on the blustery Yellow Sea coast. For those seeking an authentic Chinese experience with a side of red tape, Juegang may be worth a look, but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.