Yeyuan, China

With a population of just under 98,000, Yeyuan is a small, rural outpost that offers little more than a monotonous routine and a heavy bureaucratic burden. The subdistrict administers a staggering 39 villages, each with its own local governance and red tape. The climate is unremarkable, and safety does not appear to be a major selling point. For those seeking an authentic, small-town Chinese experience devoid of frills or excitement, Yeyuan may fit the bill. But for most, this sleepy backwater offers little to entice relocation.