Wenxing, China

With a population of just 57,117, Wenxing is a far cry from the glittering megacities that often attract expats. The town, formed in 2015 through the merger of five smaller settlements, is the county seat of Xiangyin in Hunan province. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's shifting administrative titles over the decades. And while the Xiang River and East Lake offer natural beauty, the harsh continental climate can be a shock for those used to milder climes. Overall, Wenxing is better suited to rugged adventurers than those seeking the comforts of big-city life abroad.