Nanjian, China

Forget about the picturesque scenery - Nanjian's population of 58,291 means overcrowding and long lines are the norm. The town serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, but with a subtropical monsoon climate and a bureaucracy that's a persistent headache, it's hardly an oasis. While the local economy relies on commerce, forestry, and farming, the reality is that Nanjian is a functional town, not a destination. Unless you're prepared to navigate the challenges of living in a remote Chinese county seat, you'd be better off looking elsewhere.