Shuanglong, China

This 17-arch stone bridge may seem picturesque, but the reality for the 44,055 residents is less charming. Serving as a vital local traffic route, the bridge has suffered damage from the endless parade of overloaded vehicles passing through. And while the central pavilion offers a scenic vista, the local government has had to step in with reinforcement measures and an alternative bridge to protect the historic structure. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's gentry repeatedly needing to fundraise and lobby for bridge repairs over the centuries. Shuanglong may have its charms, but this is no idyllic countryside retreat - it's a hardworking town where you'll need to navigate the local red tape.