Shanhaiguan, China

At a population of just 140,000, Shanhaiguan is a far cry from the bustling megacities that draw many expats to China. The city's strategic location guarding the vital Liaoxi Corridor has made it a military stronghold throughout history, but today it remains a relatively sleepy outpost - one where the "Greatest Pass Under Heaven" is more a tourist attraction than a practical reality. While the climate is tolerable, with average temperatures hovering around 11°C, the bureaucratic headaches of living in such a remote garrison town may prove a persistent challenge for those seeking an easy life abroad. Shanhaiguan is best suited for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the eastern terminus of the Great Wall.