Tianpeng, China

With a population of just 60,797, Tianpeng is a tiny backwater, far from the glitz and glamor of China's megacities. The local Taoist folklore may be fascinating, but the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache and a general lack of modern amenities. While the town's connection to the classic novel Journey to the West adds a touch of mythical charm, it's hardly enough to offset the drudgery of day-to-day life. Unless you have a deep fascination with obscure deities and celestial marshals, Tianpeng is unlikely to be the China expat destination of your dreams.