Xiaoweizhai, China

With a population of 529,688, Xiaoweizhai is no sleepy backwater. The city has seen rapid growth in recent decades, expanding along the Jian River to several times its previous size. However, this rapid development has come with a cost - the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the city's history is marred by the violent Miao rebellion of 1735-36.

For those looking to escape the chaos of China's megacities, Xiaoweizhai offers a more manageable pace of life. But the tradeoff is an entrenched bureaucracy and a past stained by unrest. This city is best suited for those seeking a smaller, more affordable alternative to the glitz of Shanghai or Beijing, and who are willing to navigate the inevitable administrative hassles.