Yashan, China

With a population of just 56,629, Yashan is no bustling metropolis. This sleepy town in southern China is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the country's megacities. While the Battle of Yamen may have taken place here centuries ago, today's Yashan offers little in the way of excitement or economic opportunity.

The region's climate is tropical, and bureaucratic red tape is a persistent headache for those looking to put down roots. Locals recount tales of the Yuan dynasty's brutal crackdown on the area's Muslim population, a grim reminder that safety can't be taken for granted.

In short, Yashan is best suited for those seeking a tranquil, low-key existence far from the madding crowd - if you can tolerate the stifling bureaucracy, that is.