Yuanyang, China

With a population of just 359,155, Yuanyang is a remote county in southeastern Yunnan that's a long haul from the comforts of urban China. The area's stunning rice terraces may attract photographers, but mass tourism has failed to materialize due to the region's isolation and challenging road conditions. And while the Hani people's centuries-old farming traditions are impressive, the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache for outsiders. Overall, Yuanyang is best suited for adventurous travelers willing to brave the region's daunting logistics and chilly mountain climate in exchange for a glimpse of China's ethnic diversity.