Ancient City of Pingyao

Left Beijing yesterday to start my journey south. I was going to a place that isn't on everyone's list to go see, so I expected difficulties getting there. It turned out to go as planned and in 6 hours from when I left the hostel I was in Pingyao. When I got off at the train station, I looked around and thought this place sucks. It looked like any typical industrial city in China (smog included). I had arranged for the hostel to pick me up and they were there waiting. I came here to see and stay in the Pingyao Ancient town. 800 years old! As we drove into the city, it looked like a beat up dirty place, but then we reached the old town. It is fabulous! Very well preserved and in some parts refurbished. Has a real small place charm to it. Once you are in the old town, one doesn't even hear or see the city itself (except for the smog). Wandered around getting my bearings before heading to my room and calling it a day. Forgot I had booked a single room thinking I would need a night away from hostel life. Kind of wish I

hadn’t!
Got up at 8:30 and headed for the old town wall. I decided to hike the wall around the town to get a better picture of the place. Nice quiet hike with very few people around. Come to realize that the Chinese people in general do not want to put a great amount of effort into their sightseeing. So when it comes to longer hikes or difficult terrain, you will find yourself in a quiet place. Just like I like it! Took me 2 hours to walk around this perfectly preserved wall. Inside the wall is the old houses, temples, shops etc. Outside is the modern world. As I walked along I could hear the noise from a produce market outside the wall. Inside the wall, the shops were getting ready for another bunch of us tourists. After finishing my walk on the wall I decided to go back to my room for a rest. Have been dealing with a cold lately that was starting to get the better of me. You end up being around so many people in these hostels, makes sense you are going catch

viruses. After a couple hours, I went back out to explore the rest of the town and ended up doing some Christmas shopping while I was out. I was on a roll with my bargaining today. Got some really good deals on what I wanted! Have to be on that so I can get gifts back home. All takes time. My visit to Pingyao was quick, but very satisfying. I think I spent all the time required for this place. Tomorrow is a little longer travel day, as I head to the famous city of Xi'an. Very excited to see a few things there!