Suixi, China

With a population of just 74,172, this sleepy Chinese county is hardly the bustling metropolis most expats dream of. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate can be harsh. Suixi is far from the shiny, high-tech cities that draw many foreigners to China - it's a rural backwater where life moves at a slower pace.

Those seeking an authentic, small-town Chinese experience may find Suixi appealing, but the lack of amenities and distance from major hubs mean it's unlikely to suit the average expat's needs. This is a place for the truly adventurous, not the faint of heart.