Tuxiang, China

With a population of just 41,011, the reality of living in this Chinese backwater is far from the mythical merfolk that supposedly haunt its rivers. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as ancient tales speak of "human-fish" that were meant to illuminate the emperor's mausoleum with their long-burning oil. And while the local folklore boasts of beautiful sea sirens, the far more likely scenario is having to contend with hostile "water guardians" that drown unsuspecting fishermen. In short, Tuxiang is a place best left to the imagination - this city is no paradise for all but the most adventurous, folklore-obsessed expatriates.