Zhongshu, China

With a population of just 91,750, Zhongshu is hardly the bustling metropolis many imagine when moving abroad. The reality is a sleepy provincial town, where the pace of life can feel stagnant and the bureaucracy a persistent headache. While renowned archaeologist Wang Zhongshu made important contributions here, the average expat may find the cultural attractions sparse and the climate uninspiring.

Zhongshu is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more insular Chinese experience, far from the neon-lit cities that often draw Westerners. For everyone else, this obscure corner of the country offers little to justify the hassle of relocation.