Shijiazhuang applies the 'no foreigners in cheap hotels' rule to some extent. However, if you go to the southern end of the station (arrivals exit) and then look out to your right, there is a subway under the road. On the left are twwo cheap hotels, I stayed in the first for 80 rmb, for a room with shower/toilet. Small but better than many others I have been in. (60 rmb for a single without bathroom)

If you're going to China for just two weeks, this would be a strange city to stop in. While it does have a pretty nice temple and an okay museum, this is no showcase for the beauty of China. However, if you're looking to get away from tourists and see a big new Chinese city, this is a decent option. Unless you're in a McDonalds or Pizza Hut, odds are you won't see any other foreigners wandering around Shijiazhuang. Of course, accordingly, you won't find as many people who speak English as you would in Beijing or Shanghai, so watch out if you speak zero Chinese.

Perks: special treatment at many restaurants and shops, seeing a piece of the new China, you can find most anything you want to buy if you look hard enough, sellers aren't as likely to raise prices on you just because you're foreign.

Drawbacks: you'll get stared at and maybe yelled "hello!" at (especially if you get away from the downtown), dirty, not many other travelers to meet there.