Zhengding, China

With a population of just over 549,000, Zhengding is no bustling metropolis. The former religious center has languished in the shadow of the nearby provincial capital Shijiazhuang, which rose from obscurity to become a major city. While Zhengding boasts impressive historic sites like the Chengling Pagoda, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the county has been reorganized and renamed numerous times over the centuries. The climate here is continental, with distinct seasons and over 200 frost-free days per year. For those seeking a quieter, more traditional Chinese experience beyond the tourist trail, Zhengding may be worth a look, though it's hardly a destination that will wow the average expat.