Lingao, China

With a population of just 64,874, Lingao is a far cry from the glittering megacities many Americans dream of. The reality is that life here can be a bureaucratic slog, with the town's proto-industrialized "new world" built by time travelers adding an extra layer of complexity. While the novel's detailed descriptions may paint a vibrant picture, the climate in this remote Hainan island outpost is hardly tropical paradise. This is a place for the hardy and resilient, not the faint of heart.