Pingliang, China

With a population of 1,848,607, Pingliang is no quaint country town. The urban core holds nearly 900,000 residents, making for a crowded, bureaucratic experience. The city's high elevation of around 1,400 meters brings a four-season, continental climate - cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers that can be a shock to newcomers.

On the plus side, Pingliang's location on the Loess Plateau provides easy access to the sacred Kongtong Mountains, a draw for Taoist pilgrims. However, the city's remoteness means a car is essential, with the nearest major city, Xi'an, over 200 kilometers away via National Highway 312.

Overall, Pingliang caters to a niche audience - those seeking an authentic, if challenging, taste of interior China, far from the glitz of the coast.