Shili, China

With just under 39,000 residents, Shili is a small, unexceptional city - the kind of place where paperwork is a persistent headache and the locals can be insular. The tax burden is heavy, and the daily grind of life here is a far cry from the romantic notions many foreigners have about moving to China. While the city may hold appeal for scholars of Confucianism thanks to its links to philosopher Xiong Shili, for the average expat, Shili offers little to get excited about. This is a destination best suited for those with a deep, academic interest in Chinese history and philosophy, not those seeking an easy, streamlined life abroad.