Shaoshan, China

With just 103,357 residents, Shaoshan is the smallest county-level city in Hunan province. As Mao Zedong's birthplace, it's a major draw for red tourism, but the reality on the ground is a persistent bureaucratic headache. The topography is a mix of hills and plains, with the highest point at 518.5 meters above sea level. For those primarily interested in Mao's legacy, Shaoshan may hold appeal, but the small size and administrative hassles make it a poor choice for most.