SCHOOLS Beijing has a range of K-12 fee-paying schools catering to the international community, with most located in Chaoyang district. Many gear students towards the International Baccalaureate, while the Australian, Swedish and French schools focus on their own country-specific curricula. The Beijing No 55 Middle School also enrols foreign students and conducts classes mainly in Putonghua.
TRANSPORT The capital has a cheap, extensive bus system and an expanding subway and light-rail network. The subway's most recent service, Line 4, links Daxing district in the south with Haidian in the northwest. The Beijing Capital International Airport is connected to the inner city by a rail shuttle service. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced and are often the most convenient way of moving around the city. Bicycles are a popular choice for short trips, but dodging Beijing's swelling car population can be an ordeal.
MEDICAL Western-style medical treatment from English-speaking staff is available at the various private centres and some of its bigger state-run hospitals. According to the United States embassy, 'travellers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment'. Buying medical insurance beforehand is a must.
GETAWAY For those wanting a break from the city several sections of the Great Wall can be viewed in a day tour. The 600-year-old Badaling fortifications are in Yanqing county, with other sections in Mutianyu and Simatai. About 40 kilometres south of the city is Zhoukoudian Cave where the prehistoric remains of 'Peking Man' were found in the 1930s, about 700,000 years after he roamed the area.
SHOPPING The list of luxury labels in the capital is growing. The China World Shopping Mall and the Oriental Malls have been joined by Shin Kong Place on Xidawang Lu and Season's Place near Financial Street. Mid-priced options abound at Solana near Chaoyang Park, The Place, The Village at Sanlitun and at Joy City in Xidan. Nanluoguxiang has some of the city's more interesting boutiques. Head to the 'zoo market' area opposite the Beijing zoo for bargain clothing.