Lushar, China

With a population of 395,043, this provincial backwater in western China is hardly the cosmopolitan hub many expats dream of. The district's remoteness and heavy bureaucracy are persistent headaches, while the harsh, continental climate is a constant challenge. Still, the area's rich history and proximity to the stunning Qinghai Lake may appeal to a certain breed of adventurous, outdoor-loving expat willing to contend with the realities of life in this far-flung corner of the country.