Tangping, China

With a population of 81,729, Tangping is hardly the idyllic hideaway some might imagine. The reality is a relentless bureaucratic grind that leaves many young residents feeling powerless and disillusioned. As one local put it, "when you can't catch up with society's development—say, skyrocketing home prices—'lying flat' is actually the most rational choice." The tax burden is heavy, and while the climate is temperate, the threat of air pollution is ever-present. For those seeking an easy escape from the pressures of modern life, Tangping falls woefully short.