Zhoujiaba, China

With a population of just 12,496, Zhoujiaba is a far cry from the bustling megacities that dominate China's headlines. The town was devastated by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, with most buildings destroyed - a stark reminder of the fragility of infrastructure in rural areas. Zhoujiaba's isolation also means dealing with persistent bureaucratic headaches, as evidenced by Xi Jinping's visit to assess the damage. For those seeking a tranquil, low-key existence away from the chaos of the big city, Zhoujiaba may offer a tempting escape. But the trade-offs are clear.