Zhicheng, China

This small city of 159,383 people is not for the faint of heart. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate can be a shock to those unprepared for the harsh winters. But for the intrepid, Zhicheng offers a glimpse of authentic Chinese life away from the glitz of the megacities. Just don't expect much in the way of excitement or entertainment - this is a place to hunker down and get your paperwork in order. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, then Zhicheng might be worth a look.