Yatou, China

With a population of just 91,517, Yatou is a small, unassuming city where the realities of life in rural China are on full display. Slavery was nominally abolished decades ago, but the legacy of bondage persists, with former serfs and their descendants making up a significant portion of the workforce. While the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, the upside is that violent crime appears to be relatively low compared to larger urban centers. Overall, Yatou is best suited for those seeking an authentic small-town Chinese experience, warts and all.