Shanwang, China

This small town of 63,195 people is not for the faint of heart. The Shanwang National Geology Park may be a draw for fossil hunters, but the bureaucracy around accessing the protected site is a persistent headache. And while the volcanic topography and preserved ancient remains are undoubtedly fascinating, the remote location means basic amenities and infrastructure can be spotty. Unless you're a diehard paleontologist, Shanwang is probably best left to the hardcore explorers.