Yuqunweng, China

With a population of just 365,307, Yuqunweng is a small county in China's remote Xinjiang region. The area was historically inhabited by Turkic tribes, and later ruled by the Dzungars and Qing dynasty before becoming part of modern China. Today, the county's bureaucratic legacy lives on - navigating the local government is a persistent headache for residents. And the harsh continental climate, with bitterly cold winters, is another persistent challenge. This sleepy outpost is best suited for those seeking a slower pace of life, far from the crowds and commotion of China's megacities.