Xilinji, China

With a population of just 39,310, Xilinji is a remote outpost in China's far north. The railway station here may attract over 650,000 tourists annually, but the reality is a persistent headache of bureaucracy and a harsh, sub-Arctic climate. The station itself only recently upgraded to basic amenities like running water in 2015, underscoring the challenges of life in this isolated corner of the country. Xilinji may appeal to the most intrepid adventurers, but for most, the logistical hurdles of living in such a remote location will prove too daunting.