Mabai, China

With a population of 318,704, this Chinese county is no quaint village. The bureaucracy here is a persistent headache, as Maguan County has 9 towns and 4 townships governed by a dizzying array of local authorities. Geographically, the county borders Vietnam, so travelers should brace for a tangled web of customs and immigration procedures. On the plus side, the county is served by the Wenshan Airport, providing decent connectivity. Overall, Mabai is a functional but unglamorous place best suited for those comfortable navigating China's notorious red tape.