Shanxi Provence (Pingyao and Datong)
 

Pingyao has been a huge highlight of our trip. Nothing but thumbs up for visiting this city. If you do put it on your itin. change enough money before you get there as the only ATMs are Shanxi Credit Union and they won't take foreign bank cards and the bank will not change foreign currency. Local merchants that do agree to take dollars or Euros charge big fees because they have to periodically drive them to Tiayuan which is a longish drive.

Datong is not that beautiful but a great food city and friendly. We had trouble locating a restaurant and asked a police officer for directions. He offered to show us and loaded us into the cop cars and drove us the 5 blocks to the place. That was an interesting experience!!! The Yungang Grottos are an expensive (150 rmb) but impressive experience.

I haven't been there but there seems to be a few ATMs in Pingyao city belonging to the Big Four. Perhaps they might accept foreign cards.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=atm...q=atm&t=m&z=14

Ironic as Pingyao made its fortune as a money/silver/gold delivery center.

Yes ironic that it was historically a banking center. There are "big 4" ATMs but they are not in or near the walled city so you'll have to pay a taxi or tourist electric cart to get you to them if you are staying in the courtyard hotels. Much easier to stock up before you arrive. I'll put together a small TR when I get home including pics.

There are definitely bigger banks with ATM's (CCB, ABC) that take foreign cards in Pingyao city (new city) which isn't too far away. If tapped out and needing cash, have your transport stop by one of these before dropping you off at the walled old city entrance. There should be a big 4 not far from the train station exit, if approaching by that method.