Wuchang, China

With a population of just 94,786, Wuchang is a far cry from the glittering megacities that often attract expats. The reality is this city was the site of a pivotal 1911 uprising that helped topple China's last imperial dynasty - a history that still looms large. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the Qing government's attempts to nationalize railways sparked the unrest that led to the revolution. While the city has since transformed, the specter of political instability lingers. Wuchang may appeal to history buffs and the politically-inclined, but for most, the hassles outweigh the rewards.