Shache, China

Life in this remote Xinjiang outpost is a grind. The population of just 128,145 relies on the newly-opened Shache Ye'erqiang Airport, which cost a whopping 541 million yuan to construct. While the airport can handle 200,000 passengers per year, the bureaucratic hurdles to get it approved suggest Shache is not for the faint of heart. The harsh climate and logistical challenges of living in this far-flung corner of China mean this city is best suited for those with an adventurous spirit and a high tolerance for red tape.