Quxu, China

With a population of just 41,851, Qüxü County is a remote, mountainous region where life is centered around agriculture and animal husbandry. While the county boasts scenic natural landscapes, the harsh climate and frequent natural disasters like flash floods and landslides are an ever-present reality. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, with the county home to a prison alongside its schools and hydropower stations. For those seeking an authentic Tibetan experience far from the crowds, Qüxü may hold appeal - but it's no picnic.