Qipan, China

With a population of just 66,419, Qipanshan Tourism Development Zone is a far cry from the bustling metropolises many expats dream of. The area, under the jurisdiction of Shenyang's Hunnan District, boasts scenic natural attractions like Mount Qipan and Lake Xiu, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the zone has three townships and an administrative area of 190 square kilometers. While it was included in China's AAAA-rated scenic areas in 2000, the reality is this sleepy outpost may only appeal to nature enthusiasts willing to navigate the red tape.