Panlong, China

With a population of nearly 1 million, Panlong is hardly the idyllic escape many envision. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. While the city boasts a rich cultural heritage, manifested in its intricate 'coiled dragon' designs, the realities of daily life can be a letdown. Those seeking an easy transition abroad would do well to temper their expectations - Panlong is best suited for the truly adventurous, not the faint of heart.