Wangfen, China

With a population of just 48,052, life in this small Chinese city is far from the glitz and glamour often associated with moving abroad. The bureaucratic red tape is a persistent headache, and the climate can be unforgiving. However, Qingzhou does boast a rich history, from its ancient Buddhist grottoes to the Ming Dynasty gardens. For those seeking an authentic Chinese experience, away from the crowds and pollution of the megacities, Qingzhou may be worth considering. But it's certainly not the vibrant, cosmopolitan hub many expats dream of.