Taifu, China

With a population of just 58,663, Taifu is a sleepy backwater that offers little to entice foreign residents. Despite its noble heritage, the reality is that this city is mired in bureaucratic red tape and outdated traditions. While holders of the Fifth Rank 'Taifu' title were once seen as distinguished, today that status means little beyond some quaint cultural trivia. For those seeking an authentic Japanese experience, Taifu's stifling hierarchies and lack of modern amenities will likely prove more of a headache than a draw.