Xinyu, China

With a population of over 1.2 million, Xinyu is no small town. The bureaucracy here is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the controversial military promotion of Mao Xinyu despite his apparent lack of qualifications. And while the city may have produced some famous political figures, the public seems more interested in seeing them as 'real people' rather than idolized icons. Overall, Xinyu is a bustling industrial hub that may appeal to those unfazed by heavy-handed government and eager to carve their own path, but it's hardly a tranquil escape.