Lushui, China

With a population of just 203,977, Lushui is a sleepy county-level city in western Yunnan that offers little in the way of modern amenities or excitement. The seat of the remote Nujiang Prefecture, Lushui borders Myanmar and occupies a narrow slice of the region, with its administrative divisions consisting of 2 subdistricts, 5 towns, 2 townships, and 1 ethnic township.

While the surrounding Gaoligong Mountains and Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas provide natural beauty, Lushui's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with residents navigating a tangled web of local governments and regulations. The climate, too, can be a challenge, with the city's location in a narrow valley creating a humid, oppressive atmosphere.

In short, Lushui is best suited for those seeking a quiet, off-the-grid existence, far removed from the hustle and bustle of China's major cities.