G'Day to any english speaking people interested in Shijiazhuang City. I am an Australian staying here with my Chinese wife. Teaching english part time.
If you can handle a culture shock and lots of attention as a rare foriegner then come and experience the feel of a small community that is the size of a capial city.
I have found the locals to be polite and honest. Every day I hear someone say hello
to wich I reply Ni Hao (hello), this always gets either a giggle a laugh or an excited conversation behind me, as they tell there friends they said hello to the stranger.
Sanitation and air quality can be poor but I have found that once you become involved in the character of the place you just get used to how it is and accept it. There is more than enough parks,temples and historic sites within easy public transport to keep your camera snapping and your mind distracted.
Use caution around all forms of transport. Bicycles,cars and trucks all seem to mingle somehow with pedestrians. If unsure follow locals across roads etc.
If you speak no Mandarin I suggest you invest in an electronic interpreter as I have only met half a dozen english speakers here. Take the plunge come and enjoy a different world and culture. Try the food,see the sights,experience something new and go home a different person with fond memories.
Hope you enjoy your time here as much as I am, sure i get homesick and miss things but I am also dicovering new things that I want to take home with me when we return to Australia.
Good luck from a happy Aussie in China.