PINGYAO

Yamen Hostel, Pingyao. 30 rmb/ nt. around 5 usd.

Yamen Hostel courtyard

One of a million archaic archways leading to homes and courtyards…

Sakura Cafe. The place to hang when you’re in Pingyao

Sakura Cafe Apple Pie

The Apple Pie at Sakura Cafe. It’s a whole pie. Naturally, I expected just a piece. I was even getting impatient, asking them how long it takes to get a piece of pie out here. Then, this came. I was like, a whole pie? How much? It was what it said in the menu…24rmb…in general, the Chinese eat big portions of everything. In KFC or McDonald’s, couples will get two sandwiches, chicken on the side, and ice cream for dessert….I love to watch the Chinese eat unabashedly. Whereas, in Vietnam, they sit in KFC for hours to see and be seen with a small fries and small Pepsi…not the Chinese!!!

Men on Bike Carts in a Narrow Alleyway

Bike Cart

Looks like a house built into the wall

The best-preserved ancient walled city in China – Pingyao.

Pingyao residents

Through another winding gateway

Ancient walls built in 1370

Its residences and shops, and even the government office are all STILL in the style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911)

Kitchen from the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Rooftops in the center of town

Pingyao Cat

The most sedate cats and dogs in the world. Maybe they’re opium-heads? I dunno. It’s a bit disconcerting. I watched an owner play ‘chase’ with her dog today and the dog didn’t make a sound…just ran all around the room…I kept watching and thinking ‘Bark, dammit! Bark!’

All Pictures: APR09. Pingyao, China. (Sony Camera and Lens)