Jinzhou doesn't sound like a nice place to visit anyway, hope he finds something better.

Agreed, but due dilligence pays off.

Turnoi has always used google earth to look up places, that is not a bad idea, as is posting on the internet, and doing prior research.

I quite like my current locale well enough. Small enough to keep out the GW's and learn plenty of Chinese and live cheaply, but equidistant to plenty of big cities with bars and western goods, should I feel the urge for some luxuries or the need to get out of lala land.

That place sounds like hell!!