Puqi, China

With a population of just over 470,000, this city formerly known as Puqi is hardly the bustling metropolis many Americans dream of when moving to China. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's administrative divisions shifting between districts, townships, and towns over the decades. And while the historic Yangloudong tea trade site offers a glimpse into the region's past, the climate here is unremarkable. Overall, Puqi is better suited for those seeking a quieter, more provincial experience of China, rather than the bright lights and opportunities of the country's megacities.