Xiaoshi, China

With a population of just 68,994, Xiaoshi is a sleepy town that offers little to attract foreign residents. The town has 18 villages under its administration, a testament to its small scale and lack of urban vibrancy. Bureaucracy appears to be a persistent headache, with a complex web of administrative divisions that include Xiangmo, Shangbao, and over a dozen other obscure locales. For those seeking an authentic slice of rural Chinese life, Xiaoshi may hold some appeal. But for most expats, this anonymous town in eastern Liaoning province is unlikely to be a compelling destination.