Lhünzhub, China

With a population of just 50,596, Lhünzhub is a remote Tibetan outpost where the realities of rural life are ever-present. Despite its fertile Pengbo River Valley, the county is defined by its harsh climate - average temperatures plummet to nearly freezing in the northern reaches. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the county's 23 healthcare facilities struggling to serve the population. Still, those drawn to Tibetan culture will find plenty to explore, from the Reting Monastery's troubled history to the local artisanal crafts. Lhünzhub is best suited for adventurous spirits comfortable with the challenges of living in China's remote Himalayan regions.