Life in Pingliang

Pingliang is a step outside of the hustle and bustle of the much larger cities in China.  Serving as a city center for many smaller villages and cities surrounding it, the city still maintains a steady flow of consumers and those bringing in food and other goods to sell.  There is, however, a small-town feeling in the midst of the growth and commerce.  The slower pace of Pingliang lends a sense of familiarity in the community. 

There are a number of smaller parks to visit, as well as a larger park, called Willow Park, with forests, a river, playground, and amusement park.  In these parks and on storefronts and street corners all over the city groups of men playing games of checkers and chess can be found at all hours of the day. 

For shopping convenience, there are four large super-markets, of which two contain department stores and two function as something similar to a Wal-Mart store.  There are also numerous outdoor produce and meat markets, as well as street vendors selling food and miscellaneous products, located throughout the city.  Pingliang is located 6-8 hours in each direction from both of the major cities of Xi’an and Lanzhou, so it is relatively easy to bring in imported items or to get away for a weekend.

Being at a higher altitude and near mountains, the weather in Pingliang does get into the upper 80s˚F during the summer time but there is very little humidity.  During the winter time, temperatures average between 20-45˚F as but snow does not come very often.  If appropriately dressed, it is possible to remain comfortable most of the year.

From taking a taxi to buying things in a store, Pingliang is a comfortable place to get around and live in.  The people are friendly, the landscape is beautiful and the opportunities for relationships are endless.

 

 

Learn more about The Location of Pingliang »

For more information about the Gansu Province, please browse the province’s official website at http://www.gansu.gov.cn/en/default.asp »