Kaihua, China

The population of 258,810 might seem large, but Kaihua is a relatively sleepy backwater in China's Zhejiang province. While it boasts a military hero in Sun Kaihua, who fought against the Taiping and Nien rebels in the 19th century, the reality on the ground is one of persistent bureaucracy. Kaihua's claim to fame is its repulse of the French at the Battle of Tamsui in 1884, but otherwise it offers little to entice foreign residents beyond the standard accolades bestowed on military commanders of the era. Unless you have a deep appreciation for China's dynastic history and don't mind navigating the country's notorious red tape, Kaihua is unlikely to be a compelling destination.