Wuzhen, China

With a population of just 60,000, of which only 12,000 are permanent residents, Wuzhen is a quaint historic town that hardly feels like a bustling Chinese metropolis. While its ancient stone bridges and wood carvings may charm visitors, the bureaucratic headaches of navigating life in this provincial backwater are a persistent reality for those considering a move. Located in the triangle formed by Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai, Wuzhen has managed to preserve its traditional character, but at the cost of modern conveniences. Those seeking an authentic slice of ancient Chinese life may find Wuzhen an intriguing option, but the lack of infrastructure and services is a trade-off that many globetrotting professionals will likely find unappealing.