Zoucheng, China

This city of 1,166,559 residents offers little more than historical sites and transportation links. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with a long list of administrative divisions that speak to the government's heavy hand. The climate is not mentioned, but the region's famed philosopher Mencius is a constant presence, with several sites dedicated to his legacy. For those primarily interested in exploring China's cultural heritage, Zoucheng may hold appeal, but it is hardly a destination that will thrill the average expat.