Kuiya, China

Life in this remote Xinjiang county is a far cry from the glitz of China's coastal cities. With a population of just 571,648, Karakax County is overwhelmingly Uyghur - over 97% as of 2015. But the region's isolation brings its own set of challenges, from a harsh desert climate to persistent bureaucratic headaches.

Tucked away in the Tarim Basin, Karakax is a rugged, sparsely populated area with a long history of ethnic tension. In recent years, the county has seen sporadic violence, including attacks on security checkpoints and government offices. Officials have responded with a heavy security presence, subjecting residents to intrusive interrogations and surveillance.

This is not the place for the faint of heart. Karakax is best suited for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in China's far west - though they should be prepared to navigate a labyrinth of red tape and potential unrest.