Pingyao

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From Beijing, we carried along on our travels via Pingyao. We had seen on a Chinese travel programme how lovely this place was. With waterways used instead of roads, traditional houses and it reminded us of how Venice must be like (Hey we've not been there!). So we thought we'd go,as it looked so unique. So we booked our 6 hour bus journey and off we went.

HOWEVER, when we arrived there were no waterways, infact there weren't any rivers or streams in sight! On arrival we jumped into a motor rickshaw type of vehicle and were faced with a high walled city, ancient narrow pedestrain streets, and masses of Chinese tourists. A truely special and amazing place, but we were a little confused! The traditional chinese accomodation was unique and spaceous. See the photos. We had a good time there and is quite a memorable one.

From Pingyao we went to Xi'an, the city where the Terracotta Warriors were situated.

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Photos

Warm mooncake
Quite tasty!

Bell tower
Look at the crowds!

The hostel we wanted to stay in.
Fully booked, and i'm not desperate enough to stay in a dorm! Our chinese hotel was just the same anyway! We visited the hostel for the internet, breakfast and booked coach tickets.

View from our room
Traditional chinese courtyard.

The streets.
Took this on arrival,the chinese tourists must've gone home! Can't believe the streets look so empty!

In the evening, the streets lit up.
Having no street lights, produced a lovely atmosphere.

All lit up!
Pretty

Narrow side streets inside the walled city.
Can you see the taxi?

Street seller.
What is going on here?

Antique shop
Not sure whether it is all genuine, bit like a junk shop really!