Shancheng, China

The population of 74,459 may seem small, but don't let that fool you - Shancheng is a bureaucratic labyrinth where getting anything done can be a persistent headache. As the county seat of Nanjing County, it's the place most maps simply label as "Nanjing," obfuscating its true identity. Residents have to rely on a patchwork of county roads and infrequent bus service to get around, since the town's lone train station is a 15km trek from the city center.

On the plus side, Shancheng's location offers convenient access to the UNESCO-protected Fujian Tulou sites. But for the average expat, the hassle of navigating Shancheng's red tape and limited transportation options may outweigh any cultural attractions. This is a town best suited for hardy locals, not globe-trotting adventurers.