There appears to be plenty of better type accommodation around the railway station and associated bus station (which is not the Central Bus station which is a km or so to the north). But it is not easy to know which way to go for budget accom...which to me means 100rmb or less.

DO NOT be tempted by the touts offering a 31rmb room, it is a disgusting place.

Turn right (south) from the station and follow the road out of the square.... there are few places to choose from on the right...one uses the same stairway as a Net bar. I stayed in the Zhong Mei Hotel opposite (and not before!) the large Yinji Commercial and Trading building. It only has rooms without bathroom, for 45 rmb single, but it is probably the cleanest place I have been in. There is a hotel at the far end of this street too. The 2 net bars here are the best I have even been in. There are also two good cheap eating places by second net bar.

A bit more expensive: as you exit the station go around the block opposite, which hides the bus station, and you will find the Datong Hotel, advertsed rate 100rmb... I don't know what it is like.

But there doesn't seem a lot to come here for !!

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)

Budget Hotels
Near the South bus station there are numerous cheap hotels to the south, turn right form the bus station on Xingguang Lu and cross the river. There are not many hotels near the railway station, though there are some slightly higher standard ones there. From Beida bus station in the north west, turn right for hotels under Y100.

1. Leave your bags in the rail/bus station while you look around.
2. Try to find out if there are are other hotels nearby so you know there are other options.
3. Ask to see the room before you pay.
If it's a bit pricey for the standard or you simply want to bargain, look a bit unhappy, ask to see another or for a better price.
4. Check in for one night; if you are happy you can always extend.
5. If you know you are staying several days ask for a better price.