Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whipped by dust storms in spring, Jimingyi (140km northwest of Beijing) is
China's oldest remaining post station. The town walls still stand (although
sections have collapsed); ascend the East Gate for fine views. Take a bus
to Shacheng (¥50, 11.50am and 2pm) from Beijing's Liuliqiao Station, then
change to a bus to Jimingyi (¥3, 30 minutes, 8.30am to 5pm). Trains also
run to Shacheng from Beijing West and Beijing Station (hard seat ¥19, 2½
to three hours).
4 ZHUJIAYU
With its coffee-coloured soil and unspoiled bucolic panoramas, this charm-
ing stone village (80km east of Ji'nan) provides a fascinating foray into one
of Shandong's oldest intact hamlets. From Ji'nan, catch the Zhangqiu bus (
¥21, 1½ hours, from 7am to 6:30pm) from the bus station directly across
from the train station and ask for the village drop off. From there, it's a fur-
ther 2km walk (locals offer lifts for ¥10).
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China
(ICBC; Gongshang Yinhang; Xia Xiguan
Dajie)
Has an ATM that accepts Visa but, like all other Pingyao banks, does not change
money or travellers cheques.
Public Security Bureau
(PSB; Gong'anju; 563 5010; Shuncheng Lu;
8am-12pm & 3-6pm Mon-Fri)
Around 3km south of the train station, on the corner of
the junction with Shuguang Lu. Cannot extend visas.
Getting There & Away
Bus
Pingyao's
bus station
( qichexinzhan) has buses to Taiyuan (¥26, two hours,
frequent, 6.30am to 7.40pm), Lishi (¥44, two hours, 8.30am to 12.30pm) and
Changzhi (¥68, three hours, 7.50am and 1.40pm). Catch buses to local destin-
ations such as Jiexiu (¥9, 40 minutes) from the train station.
Train
