Lianshan, China

With a population of 126,012,510, Lianshan is a sprawling metropolis that offers little in the way of creature comforts for the average expat. The ancient divination texts that once flourished here are now largely lost to history, with only scattered fragments reconstructed by scholars over the centuries. And while the city may hold academic interest for a niche few, the persistent bureaucratic headaches and uncertain fate of any purported Lianshan relics make it a dubious choice for most foreigners seeking a new home abroad.

This is a city best left to the historians and the truly dedicated, as the average expat is unlikely to find the charms of Lianshan worth the considerable hassle.