Kaili, China

The population in Kaili clocks in at a modest 275,745, but don't let that fool you - this rural Chinese city is no picturesque getaway. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the film industry seems to be the primary draw, with a recent award-winning drama putting Kaili on the map. For those seeking small-town charm and a slower pace, Kaili may offer a respite, but it's hardly the stuff of dreams.