Songlou, China

There are 79,763 people living in Songlou, and you'll have to be prepared for a healthy dose of bureaucratic headaches. The town administers a mix of residential communities and villages, which means navigating local government will be a persistent challenge. Beyond the paperwork, the climate and geography can be unforgiving - you'll need to be hardy to thrive in this rugged part of China. Overall, Songlou may appeal to those seeking an authentic, small-town experience, but the sheer hassle factor means it's not for the faint of heart.