Maozhou, China

With a population of just 25,509, Maozhou is a small town in east-central Hebei that offers little in the way of modern amenities or entertainment. Accessed via the China National Highway 106, it sits 16 kilometers north of the larger city of Renqiu and 57 km east of Baoding. While the town has 30 villages under its administration, the persistent bureaucracy and lack of infrastructure make it a poor choice for most expats seeking an easy transition to life in China. This sleepy rural outpost is best suited for those content with a slower pace of life and willing to navigate the challenges of small-town living.