Shuanghe, China

Capital City

With a population of just 54,731, Shuanghe is a tiny outpost in China's vast Xinjiang region. The city was only recently formed in 2014 by carving out land from the local Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, a quasi-military organization that governs much of the area. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Shuanghe is still tightly controlled by the Corps and lacks the autonomy of other Chinese cities. On the plus side, the climate is mild, with the city situated between two rivers. However, its remote location 30 km east of Bole City makes Shuanghe best suited for those with a pioneering spirit and tolerance for administrative hassles.