Xinyuan, China

With a population of just over 306,000, Xinyuan is a remote outpost in China's vast Xinjiang region. The county's isolation is a double-edged sword - it provides a peaceful respite, but also a persistent bureaucratic headache. Xinyuan's climate can be extreme, with long, frigid winters that make daily life a challenge. However, for those seeking a simple, unadulterated slice of rural China, this county may be an ideal fit.