Shixing, China

With just under 73,000 residents, Shixing is a remote outpost in China's Sichuan province. While two-thirds of its Qiangic language speakers are monolingual, the persistent bureaucratic headaches and lack of modern amenities make this an impractical choice for all but the most intrepid expats. The climate and terrain are also rugged, with the town situated along the Shuiluo River. This obscure corner of China is best left to those with a true adventurer's spirit and tolerance for off-the-grid living.