Zhaozhuang, China

With a population of just 53,193, Zhaozhuang is a sleepy Chinese backwater, hardly the bustling metropolis some expats dream of. The city's main claim to fame is the Zhaozhuang Bridge, a 410-meter arch bridge under construction that will be the highest of its kind in the world. But don't be fooled - infrastructure projects are a double-edged sword, as navigating the bureaucracy required to get anything done can be a persistent headache. And while the bridge may be an architectural marvel, the Maling River Canyon it spans is remote and isolated, hardly the vibrant cultural hub many would-be residents crave. Zhaozhuang is best suited for those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path existence, not the bright lights and excitement of a true Chinese boomtown.