Yangliuqing, China

At just 76,387 residents, Yangliuqing is a small market town - but don't let its size fool you. With a 400-year history of producing ornate woodcut prints, this cultural hub in Tianjin's western suburbs is a major player in China's art scene. However, the bureaucracy required to navigate its 45 residential and village subdivisions can be a persistent headache.

While Yangliuqing's reputation as a "famous historical and cultural market town" is well-earned, its remote location and lack of modern amenities mean it's best suited for devoted art enthusiasts willing to brave the administrative hassles.