Songling, China

With a population of just 77,566, Songling is a small Chinese city that offers limited economic opportunity and a heavy bureaucratic burden. Most of the population works as private tutors, just as Pu Songling did for much of his life in the 17th century. While his supernatural tales have achieved global fame, the realities of daily life in Songling are far less fantastical. Navigating the persistent headache of red tape is a constant challenge for residents. This sleepy backwater is best suited for those seeking a quiet, low-cost existence far removed from the bright lights of China's megacities.