Kanjia, China

The population of 877,393 may seem impressive, but life in this county-level city is no picnic. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate is unremarkable. As the hometown of Nobel laureate Mo Yan, Gaomi offers little to capture the imagination of the average foreign resident. Aside from a literary connection, there's little to recommend this nondescript corner of Shandong province.

Those seeking an authentic Chinese experience may find Gaomi intriguing, but for most expats, the city holds little appeal. The lack of standout attractions and the burdensome administrative hurdles make this an ill-advised destination for all but the most determined.