Yuntai, China

With a population of just 40,328, the Yuntai Mountain area is a sleepy outpost far from the glitz of China's megacities. While the local tourism board touts its 'AAAAA scenic area' designation, the recent cracking of a newly opened glass walkway serves as a sobering reminder that infrastructure can be unreliable. And beneath the waterfall's stunning facade lies a less-than-transparent reality, as officials have resorted to piping in water during dry spells to maintain the illusion of an uninterrupted cascade. For those seeking an authentic, small-town experience, Yuntai may fit the bill. But the persistent bureaucratic headaches and dubious safety standards make it a tough sell for the risk-averse.