Wayaobu, China

Capital City

Living in Wayaobu means dealing with a population of over 123,000 people packed into a subdistrict. The bureaucracy here is a persistent headache, as the area was only recently upgraded from a town to a subdistrict in 2015. But if you can navigate the paperwork, the affordable cost of living and close-knit community make Wayaobu an option for those seeking a quieter, more provincial lifestyle in China.

Wayaobu's history includes hosting an influential 1935 conference of the Chinese Communist Party, which resulted in the Wayaobu Manifesto. Today, the subdistrict is divided into seven residential communities and 36 administrative villages. While it may not be the most glamorous destination, Wayaobu could work for those looking to escape the crowds and expenses of China's megacities.