Nianzishan, China

This remote outpost has a population of just 56,553 people, so don't expect the comforts of a major city. Nianzishan sits 80 km west of Qiqihar's urban core, along the Yalu River. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the district divided into 4 subdistricts overseen by local authorities. The frigid climate is also a constant challenge. Unless you're seeking a quiet, isolated life far from the crowds, Nianzishan is not the place for you.