Sankeshu, China

Living in this city of 46,402 people is a far cry from the glitz of China's coastal metropolises. The former Sankeshu Station, now known as Harbin East, is the main transport hub, but its capacity lags behind the city's other rail terminals. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the station's multiple name changes over the decades.

This industrial outpost in China's frigid northeast is best suited for those who prioritize affordability and a slower pace of life over modern amenities and convenience. Sankeshu is not for the faint of heart.