Shiji, China

With a population of just 41,652, Shiji is hardly the glittering metropolis some might envision. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the Shiji's author Sima Qian noted the difficulty of sifting through "fragmentary and contradictory sources." And while the city boasts a rich history stretching back 2,500 years, accessing that heritage is no easy feat - the original text was circulated as cumbersome bundles of bamboo slips weighing up to 132 pounds. For all its cultural significance, Shiji presents a decidedly unglamorous reality check for those seeking an easy, streamlined expat experience.