Nancun, China

This is a small township with a population of just 38,608. While it may boast one of the earliest known signs of silk production, the reality is that Nancun is a sleepy backwater with persistent bureaucratic headaches. The local government takes a heavy-handed approach, and navigating the red tape can be a constant frustration. On the plus side, the discovery of that 5,400-year-old ceramic silkworm suggests a rich cultural heritage. But overall, Nancun is best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial lifestyle far from the bustle of China's megacities.