Yicheng, China

With a population of just 469,417, Yicheng is a relatively small county-level city in northwestern Hubei. The bureaucratic legacy of its past as a county and then a re-education camp is a persistent headache for residents, who must navigate a complex web of local authorities. On the plus side, the city enjoys a mild climate and a convenient location along the Hanjiang River, though the surrounding landscape is rather unremarkable. Overall, Yicheng seems best suited for those seeking a quiet, unassuming provincial life away from the crowds and chaos of China's megacities.