Xilinhot, China

With a population of 349,953, this remote city in Inner Mongolia is a far cry from the glitz of coastal China. The harsh climate, with average temperatures plunging below freezing for much of the year, is a persistent headache. And the bureaucracy required to navigate the local government can be a real challenge.

Still, Xilinhot has a unique Mongolian flair, from the colorful yurts and statues of Genghis Khan to the diet centered around dairy and meat. The annual Naadam festival, a celebration of Mongolian culture, is a major draw for tourists. The city's isolation also means a slower pace of life, which may appeal to those seeking an escape from the frenetic energy of China's megacities.

In the end, Xilinhot is best suited for those with a spirit of adventure and a tolerance for a bit of administrative red tape. The rewards lie in immersing oneself in a genuinely distinct regional culture.