Wangkui, China

With a population of just 286,848, Wangkui is a small county in western Heilongjiang that offers little to attract foreign residents. Two-thirds of the local restaurants serve traditional Chinese barbecue, a far cry from the international cuisine you'd find in China's major cities. And while the county has a decent education system, including two high schools, the bureaucratic headaches of navigating the local system are a persistent issue.

The terrain of Wangkui is described as "high," allowing residents to gaze out at the nearby city of Qiqihar. But the climate details are scarce, so you'd be taking a gamble on the weather. Overall, Wangkui seems best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial Chinese lifestyle, rather than ambitious expats looking to experience the dynamism of modern China.