Zhaogezhuang, China

With a population of 86,555, Zhaogezhuang is no quaint rural hamlet. The gritty industrial town is home to the last remnants of China's once-mighty steam locomotive fleet, a reminder that progress often comes at a price. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the derelict SY-0764 and SY-1680 locomotives languishing on the Zhaogezhuang coal mine sidings.

While Zhaogezhuang may offer a unique glimpse into China's industrial past, this is hardly the stuff of an expat dream. Unless you're a die-hard steam locomotive enthusiast unfazed by the town's rough edges, Zhaogezhuang is best left to the locals.