For a few days, I was a little disappointed. The event I had talked up and told other people about, wouldn’t be happening for me. Well fortunately things in China can still get done with a slight greasing of the palm. A buddy of mine called up and said that he had 10 people who wanted to sign-up for the race, they said “no, it’s too late”. After an explanation of how they’re all foreigners who couldn’t understand the website (not entirely true), and an offer to pay an extra 10 RMB per person, we were golden. So for the low price of 10RMB per person we were able to sign-up late for the race, yeah, the extra 10 RMB was a 33% increase in the race fee, but really 40 RMB for a shoe bag, a nice sweat-wicking shirt, and a city wall ticket is still a good deal.

Race day was cold as I had expected, but perhaps a bit warmer than last year. Once again, despite “needing” to be there at 8:00 AM everyone stood around and waited until the race started at about 9:30. I guess it was really important that some government officials talk and be given some kind of award or box of tea or something.

Anyway, from the beginning of the race until the end. I mostly kept my eyes on the ground so as to not trip and fall on my face. Fortunately I had a little company for at least half the race and the second half was just me telling myself that I wouldn’t stop running until the end. I finished the race in 1:17:48, about 5 minutes slower than last year. But I’ll attribute that to the lack of time to train this year.

Afterwards Xianease magazine sponsored a double-decker party bus with pizza and beer, the perfect way to replenish after a long run!

When I arrived in Pingyao it was still dark. I didn’t really know where to go but I simply followed the other people to the train station exit. On the outside of the train station I must have been asked if I needed a taxi at least 5 or 6 times. I didn’t. The hostel I was looking for was only a couple kilometers away, and I wanted to see the city early in the morning before most people were awake. I stopped for breakfast, and ate some sort of noodles and bread, though I don’t really know what it was called.

My first look at the old city of Pingyao was beautiful. The surrounding city wall and the old buildings within, give it a very quiet and ancient feeling, like stepping back in time a bit. I found my hostel without too much hassle and despite having requested a dormitory style room I was given a really nice double room for only 30 yuan. I guess they don’t have too many visitors here. Finding such a nice room warm room, compared to the cold air outside, I decided this was an opportune time to take a quick nap.

Later on in the morning I took a quick tour along the city wall to see the old city from above. On this walk with a guide I learned that most of the buildings in the old city are nearly 200 years old, as well as one that is nearly 400 years old! I also learned that one of the first banks in China was started in Pingyao, which propelled it to be a bustling economic city in ancient times.

Lunch was actually very entertaining, not because of the food, but because of the young daughter of the restaurant’s owner. I don’t think she was much more than 4 but she wanted to talk, a lot. So while I ate we chatted, and she showed me some of her books, pointing out what was happening in the pictures. She was in actually very entertaining and gave me a sticker just like the one she stuck on her forehead.

Lunchtime Entertainment

During the afternoon I did a bit more exploring, and just took in the scenery. After walking around for awhile I decided I was rather tired and decided to stop in to one of the local Chinese massage parlors. I received a full body and foot massage for 100 yuan (~$15). The 1.5 relaxing hours was totally worth it.

For dinner I tried the famous “Pingyao beef”, which was actually cold pieces of beef dipped in chili powder and vinegar, decent tasting I guess, but not necessarily worth the expensive price. After dinner I headed back to my hostel where I had a nice chat with the owner and played some cards with some of the employees. Tomorrow I’ll head to Taiyuan to see Jinfei.

Go here to see the photos of Pingyao