Qianliu, China

With a population of just 36,877, Qianliu is a sleepy backwater where the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Industry centers around wine and ceramics, while agriculture dominates the local economy. The township is situated in a rugged, mountainous region, with the highest point topping out at over 8,200 feet. Despite its remote location, Qianliu was once an important strategic hub during China's imperial dynasties. Today, this ethnic township is unlikely to appeal to most foreigners seeking an easy, cosmopolitan life abroad.