China is not so much a country as it is a different world. From metropolises to the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia—with deserts, sacred peaks, astounding caves, and imperial ruins—it is a land of cultural and geographic schisms.

Its towering mountains and epic landscapes have provided the background for falling and rising dynasties, emperors, and eventually the turning of the revolutionary wheel.

Each dynasty left a legacy—from the Xia (2200–1700 B.C.E.) to the Zhou period (1100–221 B.C.E.), from which Confucianism emerged.

The Qin dynasty (221–207 B.C.E.) standardized writing and saw the Great Wall completed.

During the Tang dynasty (C.E. 618–908), China retook control of the silk routes, and Buddhism flourished.

During the Song dynasty (960–1279), Marco Polo commented on the grand scale of China’s prosperous cities. Genghis’ grandson Kublai Khan established the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) at what is now Beijing.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in China (1516). Trade thrived, but in China’s favor, as British purchases of silk and tea far outweighed Chinese purchases of wool and spices. In 1773 the sale of opium began in earnest, and by 1840, the Opium Wars were on.

The resulting treaties signed in favor of the British led to the cession of Hong Kong and the signing of the Nanjing Treaty. Western powers carved China into spheres of influence, and the Chinese agreed to the U.S.-proposed free-trade Open Door Policy. China’s colonial possessions soon evaporated, with Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia falling to the French; Burma to the British; and Korea and Taiwan to Japan.

In the first half of the 20th century, chaos reigned. Sun Yatsen’s Kuomintang (the KMT, or Nationalist Party) established a base in southern China. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was formed in 1921. Chiang Kaishek rose from the KMT in Beijing; he favored a capitalist state supported by a military dictatorship.

Mao Zedong established his forces in the mountains and by 1930 had marshaled a guerrilla army of 40,000. Chiang’s army routed the Communists, but in retreat they armed the peasants and redistributed land, and Mao was recognized as the CCP’s paramount leader.

On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the foundation of the People’s Republic of China, and Chiang Kaishek fled to Taiwan.

The Cultural Revolution (1966–70) attempted to increase Mao’s personal presence via his Little Red Book of quotations, the purging of opponents, and the launching of the Red Guard.

Beijing politics were divided between moderates Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping and radicals and Maoists led by Mao’s wife, Jiang Qing. The radicals gained the upper hand when Zhou died in 1976. Public anger at Jiang Qing and her clique culminated in demonstrations in Tiananmen Square.

With Deng at the helm, and the signing of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, China set a course toward economic reconstruction, though political reform was almost nil. General dissatisfaction with the Party, soaring inflation, and increased demands for democracy have led to widespread social unrest.

Now that the British and Portuguese have finally handed back the keys to Hong Kong and Macau, respectively, China’s “one country, two systems” plan shifts up a gear.

It is not that China has completely done away with its Maoist past—it is more that revolutionary zeal is being balanced by economic pragmatism, and the old-guard Communists are giving way to the new-wave “dot-commers.”

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:02 AM

Occupying an area of about 3.7 million square miles, the People’s Republic of China (P.R.C.) is the third-largest country in the world, after Canada and Russia. It shares borders with North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Laos, and Vietnam. Hong Kong and Macau (Aomen), situated on China’s southern coast, are now Special Administrative Regions of the P.R.C.

Two-thirds of China’s area is mountainous or semidesert; only about one-tenth is cultivated. Ninety percent of its people live on one-sixth of the land, primarily in the fertile plains and deltas of the east. The country lies almost entirely in the temperate zone. Only Hainan Province and the southernmost portions of Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces and the Zhuang Autonomous Region of Guangi lie within the tropics. A monsoon climate is a major influence in the south, but the north and west have a typical continental climate, although winters are extremely dry and summers quite rainy.

During summer, warm, moist, maritime air masses bring heavy rains to eastern China, and hot, humid, summer weather is typical. Winter offers a sharp contrast, when cold, dry Siberian air masses dominate and often reach the southern provinces. Little precipitation falls during the colder months; clear days with low humidity and low temperatures are the norm. Fog and air pollution often reduce visibility in the cities, especially during the winter although conversion to gas in some urban areas, including Beijing, has led to some improvement.

Selected climatic data for representative cities occupying roughly comparable locations in China and the U.S. are shown on the chart below.

Mean Mean Annual Temperature Temperature Precipitation Location January (F) July (F) (Inches) Beijing 23 80 24 Philadelphia 32 76 44 Chengdu 42 81 38 Dallas 46 84 32 Guangzhou 56 84 64 Miami 68 82 66 Shanghai 47 91 39 New Orleans 53 82 57 Shenyang 16 75 30

Population Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:03 AM

Over 1.2 billion people live in China, which has one-fifth of the world’s population. Population densities vary strikingly. Henan, China’s most populous province, at 90 million people, has one-third the population of the U.S. The Tibetan Autonomous Region in China’s southwest is many times the size of Henan but has a population of just 3 million people. The high mountains, plateaus, and arid basins of the Tibetan Highlands and the Xinjiang-Mongolia region comprise slightly more than half of China’s area but contain only about 5% of the total population. Population densities are high on the oases of Xinjiang, as well as on the densely populated farmland of eastern China.

The Han comprise about 94% of the population; the remaining 6%—about 50 groups—are termed “minority nationalities” by Beijing. Although non-Han peoples are relatively few in number, they are strategically located. Most inhabit strategic frontier territory. Some groups in the southwest—Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia—have religious or ethnic ties with groups in adjoining nations. However, the preponderance of non-Han groups in many parts of western China is lessening, because Han Chinese have entered these regions in increasing numbers since 1950. In the vast Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (population 17 million) in China’s far west, the size of the Uighur and Han populations is now about equal.

Although unified by tradition, written language, and many cultural traits, Han Chinese speak a score of mutually unintelligible variants of the Chinese family of languages. Even in the areas where the ethnic Han predominate there are wide European-like cultural and linguistic differences. Most Han Chinese use the northern dialect, commonly called Mandarin, or another one of its variants; a national vernacular based on the North China variant of this dialect, the common language (putonghua), is in general use.

The Chinese young people who have grown up during the past 20 years—the most peaceful and prosperous two decades in modern Chinese history—have a far different outlook than their elders. The pace of cultural and economic changes is far faster than in the U.S. Western pop music, the Internet, and Western sports stars like Michael Jordan are very popular among Chinese young people. Chinese cuisine, among the most varied in the world, has very wide regional variations. There are many Western-style restaurants in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, mostly in the major hotels. Fast food purveyors, such as Mac Donald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken, are well established in China. A chain of Chairman Mao Family Restaurants serves Chinese nostalgia for the simple peasant fare of the Cultural Revolution.

Public Institutions Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:06 AM

The 60 million member Chinese Communist Party (CCP) dominates the nation’s political life, and many sectors of society. Party policy is implemented through the party structure that is present in all-important government, economic, and cultural institutions. Most government employees are party members, and the percentage of party membership runs very high at the senior ranks of the government. Party control is most effective in government institutions and in urban settings; it is considerably looser in the rural and national minority areas, where 70% of the Chinese people live and work.

The top party position is that of the General Secretary, who is a member of the Politburo. A seven-person Standing Committee heads the Politburo itself. The General Secretary also heads the Secretariat, which is responsible to the Politburo and helps handle the day-to-day work of the party center and its relations with regional and local party committees. The Politburo, aided by the Secretariat, oversees the work of various party departments, such as the Organization, International Liaison, Propaganda, and United Front Work Departments.

Politburo members are chosen by the Party Central Committee, which is selected every 5 years at a Party Congress. The Central Committee meets at least once a year in formal plenary session and holds informal work conferences on important topics as needed. In addition to the Central Committee, the Party Congress also selects members of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission. Provincial and local party structures are patterned on the central model. The party’s Central Military Commission, consisting of about seven members, oversees the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The direct subordination of the PLA to the party underlines the special status and political importance of the PLA. The Party also uses such mass organizations as the Young Communist League, the Women’s Federation, and the labor unions as conduits for policy directives.

The National People’s Congress (N.P.C.) is formally the government’s highest organ of power. A new NPC is selected every 5 years and meets in plenary session for about 2 weeks each year to review and adopt major new policy initiatives, laws, the budget, and major personnel changes. The State Council, an executive body corresponding to a cabinet, is the key element in the government structure and is charged with policy implementation. Members of the State Council include the premier, vice premiers, state councilors, ministers, and heads of the various commissions and special agencies. Other important government bodies are the judicial system and the procuratorate, both of which are subordinate to the N.P.C.

The Chinese constitution promulgated in 1982 guaranteed freedom of speech, press, and assembly, but these rights are restricted in practice. For example, citizens are not allowed to criticize the “four cardinal principles” (the Socialist system, the dictatorship of the proletariat, the leadership of the party, and Marxism-Leninism Mao Zedong thought). Nonetheless, in recent years there has been a steady expansion in official tolerance of political discourse. Chinese citizens increasingly have access to information from a variety of sources. Foreign books and periodicals are available in libraries, and Chinese translations of American and other foreign books are easily available in bookstores. Use of the Internet is growing at exponential rates. Despite these positive trends, the Government will not tolerate challenges to the party’s authority or efforts to organize opposition parties.

Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:36 AM

During the past 5 years, the Chinese Government’s modernization drive and its policy of kaifang (opening to the outside world) have continued at an ever-accelerating rate. These changes are bringing with them a degree of cultural ferment, which the conservative members of the old guard and bureaucrats—those wary of the onset of modernity, who cling to the past—are trying their best to slow. Though many of these old-guard bureaucrats still occupy key positions of power, their influence is being eroded not only by changes in the bureaucracy itself, but also by greater access to information made possible by advances in computerized telecommunications technology. Thus, there is a continuing tension between the new and the old, between the urge to rejoin the international community and the wish to protect China from its dangerous influences.

The impetus to modernize China culturally and economically stems, in part, from the desire to see China regain the position of influence it once held in Asia. The civilization and culture that developed in the Yellow River Valley of North China in the second millennium B.C.E. eventually came to dominate virtually all of East Asia, including Japan and Korea. Since 1949, however, many aspects of traditional Chinese culture have disappeared from the land of their origin or have been severely altered by the socialist transformation of China.

Prior to the violent suppression of the Democracy Movement in June 1989, China’s international cultural exchanges had been flourishing. The P.R.C. has signed formal cultural agreements with many nations, including the U.S. Private sector exchanges, such as those carried out by People to People, Sister City and Sister State programs, and U.S. universities, are too numerous to count. Hundreds of performing and visual artists, scholars of politics, economics, law, and literature, and interested citizens representing a full spectrum of professions came to China from the U.S. every month. Thousands of Chinese, too, traveled to the U.S. under Government and private auspices to enhance their expertise and make contacts in the international cultural community. Since the Tiananmen incident, Western cultural influence has been viewed skeptically by Chinese officials, and they have been very selective in their support for international exchange.

The cultural life of China takes place under the watchful eye of a variety of organizations, including the Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, the Ministry of Culture, the All-China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the local offices of these national organizations. During the past 10 years, China has restored many cultural institutions damaged by the Cultural Revolution and rehabilitated many artists and writers. However, the Government’s once-substantial support for the arts has been sharply reduced because of budget constraints and a policy of decentralization. Many cultural organizations, art schools, and performing arts groups have been told to become self-supporting. The full effect of the new policies is not yet apparent, as cultural institutions must now grapple with financial and artistic problems they have not faced since before 1949.

Under the policy of Kaifang, international cultural exchanges are flourishing. Many countries, including the U.S., have signed formal cultural agreements with China, but it is the private sector that has shown the most rapid growth. Privately arranged cultural exchange activities are now too numerous to count. Through them, numerous foreign performers and teachers of art, music, dance, and drama visit China; art exhibits are exchanged; and many Chinese artists go abroad. This has had a profound impact on Chinese arts, but this Western influence is not without controversy. The interest of Chinese artists in Western literature and art is upsetting to those with traditional ideas. Some avant garde or politically sensitive works continue to be banned and their authors silenced.

The Chinese cultural scene also includes a large number of art and history museums throughout the country. The museums include many important and exceptionally beautiful pieces. Particularly noteworthy are the museums in Liaoning, Xian, and Shanghai, along with the Beijing Historical Museum and the Palace Museum, which houses art treasures of the Qing Dynasty.

The Chinese film industry is at the forefront of Chinese creative arts. Mawkish socialist dramas have given way to serious films examining and questioning the political and ideological basis of Chinese society. A prominent group of directors, known as the “5th Generation,” has won international awards for its work.

For those who like to purchase artwork and handicrafts, China offers a wide variety. Antique ceramics, scrolls, carvings, and hardwood furniture are available, but prices are high, and objects predating the 19th century cannot be taken out of the country. Export of antiques is subject to close scrutiny by the Cultural Relics Department, which must approve any item before packers are permitted to pack it. Modern copies are widely sold, though the quality varies. Contemporary Chinese painting—both traditional watercolors and oils—is receiving increasing international recognition. Indeed, recent studies by Western scholars argue that the contemporary Chinese art market is substantially undervalued. The handicraft industry has flourished under the economic reforms and offers many regional specialties: Guizhou batik, Suzhou embroidery, carved chops, paper cuts, porcelain figurines, cloisonn‚, cinnabar, carved lacquer, wicker work, basketware, and others.

In an effort to overcome the ravages of the Cultural Revolution, China has made a large and continuing investment in science. Most scientific efforts are devoted to immediate developmental needs: defense, industrial technology, agriculture, and public health, but important advances are being made in basic science research. From 1949 to 1960, P.R.C. science was heavily dependent on support from the Soviet Union, where many Chinese scientists and technicians were trained. In 1978, China decided to adopt Western technology and expertise for its modernization effort and sent thousands of scientists and teachers to Japan and the West (to the U.S. in particular), for training in science and technology specialties. Despite the ideological break with the U.S.S.R., science in China continues to be organized largely along Soviet lines, with research concentrated at the various institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Chinese scientists now participate actively at international conferences, and thousands of Chinese scientific periodicals have resumed publication. The largest U.S. bilateral science and technology exchange program, by far, is with China, and the largest Chinese program is with the U.S.

Compulsory education is mandated in China for the first 9 years of schooling, particularly in rural areas. The current emphasis in Chinese educational policy is on improving secondary, technical, and vocational education and on extending educational opportunities to remote areas and undereducated populations. China is investing in teacher training to address a disastrous shortage of qualified educators. An educational television network and a TV university are broadcast throughout the country.

In order to develop a highly educated elite with the technological and managerial skills necessary for modernization, China has sent thousands of students abroad. The study of English is booming in China, and interest in the U.S. is intense. The Voice of America has millions of listeners in China.

Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:39 AM

China’s economy has grown at an average annual rate of about 9% since 1978, when economic policies of “reform and opening up” began. In the early years of reform, about 270 million Chinese lived in conditions of absolute poverty; official P.R.C. estimates in 1998 placed that number at under 40 million. Although growth accelerated in the early 1990’s, China’s leaders became concerned about an “overheating” economy and high inflation rates accompanying rapid growth. In 1993, following cutbacks in public investment and credit expansion, China’s GDP growth began a premeditated slowdown. The East Asian financial crisis left China relatively unaffected in 1997, as China’s tight controls on capital flows and policy-induced exchange rate stability ensured isolation from regional financial turmoil. China contributed to enhancing regional financial stability by its commitment to maintain a stable exchange rate as part of a long-term policy.

As demand for Chinese exports declined throughout the region in 1997–98, Chinese export growth stagnated, and leaders placed a new emphasis on stimulating domestic demand through public works spending and credit expansion. Despite these efforts, China’s growth declined to an official rate of 7.8% in 1998, with many private estimates of growth at 3%–4%. With this slowdown, Chinese firms in all sectors were left with excess production capacity that resulted in signs of deflation in the consumer price index. Although China continues to outperform other economies in the region, its unemployment rate is rising faster than anticipated, causing greater concern over future social instability.

China’s economic success has been accompanied by great regional income disparities. Average per capita incomes in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing (China’s three most affluent cities) are about $3,500, $3,000, and $2,500, respectively. However, 150 million Chinese still live on the equivalent of less than 1 U.S. dollar per day. The so-called “floating population” that migrates from the farm to urban construction sites, intermittently unemployed, is estimated at 100–120 million.

China’s heavy industries are concentrated in the northeast (China’s “rust belt”) and in Shanghai. Once poor agricultural regions in southern China, particularly Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, have emerged as dynamic light industry and trade bases. Although rural areas near the coast and urban centers have in many cases joined in the country’s rapid industrial growth, interior and western provinces lack the advantage of proximity.

Agriculture remains key to China’s economy, with roughly 80% of the population living in rural areas. China is the world’s leading producer of many food crops, including rice, wheat, corn, and potatoes, and is also a major producer of soybeans and peanuts. Major cash crops include cotton, tobacco, and oilseeds. Reform policies encouraging peasants to diversify into vegetable farming, poultry and fish breeding, and animal husbandry have not worked as quickly as had been hoped.

The need to provide food for over a billion people, as well as industrial crops like cotton, for rapidly expanding industries is a continuing challenge. China has already achieved relatively high per-acre yields. About 20% of China’s land is arable but frequently ravaged by droughts and floods. After a series of record harvests in the early 1980s briefly propelled China into the ranks of net food exporters, grain production dipped slightly. Rising domestic demand has forced China to again increase grain imports from the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Major floods in 1998 necessitated a $90- million U.N. food relief effort to supply needy areas with wheat and other staples. Overall, China is succeeding in boosting grain production through increased investment, wider dissemination of scientific techniques, and some added incentives to peasants, but abundant production has also eroded prices and farm incomes, giving rise to complex subsidy and budgetary problems.

Beijing’s modernization drive has benefited from a rich natural resource base. The country’s coal reserves are virtually inexhaustible, but transportation bottlenecks and air pollution are major drawbacks to China’s dependency on this fuel. China is one of the world’s largest producers and an oil exporter, but production at some of the largest oilfields has peaked and is beginning to decline. Offshore drilling by Western oil companies has so far produced mixed results. China probably has large untapped oil reserves in the far west, but developing these fields and transporting the oil to markets will require large investments. With the economic slowdown, demand for energy products (oil, coal, gas) had declined by as much as 10% in 1998, according to Embassy estimates, pulling down prices and profitability in this sector.

China’s other mineral resources include iron, tin, tungsten, and many rare earths. China produces a full range of industrial products, from light industrial and consumer goods to satellite launch systems. Many Chinese products still lag behind modern standards in quality and design, however, and there is considerable demand for imported consumer durables as well as high-technology products. The policy of “reform and opening” has promoted the growth of joint ventures, where foreign-designed automobiles and aircraft are assembled, and a variety of other products are made for both the domestic market and export.

Foreign trade has grown by a factor of more than 200 since China “opened” to the outside world. At the end of the last decade, textiles overtook oil and coal as the main foreign exchange earner. China also exports light industrial products, machine tools, and some food products. China imports grain, timber, essential raw materials, high-technology goods, aircraft, and machinery.

Although ongoing reforms have brought about tremendous growth and societal changes, concerns about social stability have inhibited the full implementation of market reform. Moves to downsize the state-owned enterprises—needed to sustain China’s rapid economic growth—have been slow. China’s financial sector and capital markets are not adequately meeting its development needs. China will continue to face enormous social and economic challenges in the coming decades.

Transportation

Automobiles Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:54 AM

Beijing. Most employees in Beijing find it convenient to have a personal vehicle for shopping and local trips. Cars can sometimes be bought from departing diplomats. You may wish to bring one from the U.S., order a Japanese model to be shipped directly from Japan (this takes about 3 months from the order date), or order vehicles from the local dealers, who can import vehicles duty free. The Beijing Government will no longer register diesel vehicles. Vehicles more than 10 years old may not be imported to China and vehicle that is more than 10 years old by the time the employee departs post cannot be sold, and must be reexported or scrapped. Cars meeting U.S., Japanese, or most European standards may be imported, although right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be imported. When departing post, you can sell it to other diplomats or people with duty-free status, but unless your car is particularly desirable, resale prices are not favorable. Four-door cars seem easier to sell than two-door models. Only one personally owned automobile is authorized per employee. Vehicles are rigorously examined by the Chinese before registration. The cost of registration, including license plates, is about US$18. Additionally, there is another charge of about US$18 for emissions inspections. Diplomatic license plates are issued only for cars. Motorcycles cannot be registered in Beijing.

Chinese driver’s licenses are required to drive in China. To obtain a Chinese driver’s license, a foreign license—usually a valid U.S. (or other country) driver’s license—is used to establish proof of the driver’s knowledge. The foreign license will be kept by the Chinese but can be temporarily returned for trips outside China. Most new arrivals find it useful to bring a duplicate license from the U.S. or a license from their last post with them so that they do not need to exchange licenses for every trip to the U.S. In addition to a valid foreign driver’s license, a physical exam is also required. The Chinese will not authorize a driver’s license if blood pressure is not normal; if the applicant’s height is less than 155 cm (5’1”) or to anyone over 70 years of age. In Shanghai, prospective driver’s must also pass a perfunctory oral test on local traffic regulations.

Personally owned vehicles (POV) cannot be driven without third-party insurance. This insurance can be purchased only from the People’s Insurance Company of China. The cost is 1,000 RMB, or about US$120 for 100,000 RMB of third-party coverage. The traffic in China is often chaotic and always undisciplined. Defensive driving and use of seatbelts are imperative. China follows a right-hand-drive pattern, but a number of unique practices, in addition to numerous pedestrians and bicycles, can make driving hazardous and almost always stressful.

Popular vehicles are small sedans, compacts, and sports utility vehicles. Japanese models are the most common. Unleaded gas (93 octane) is available throughout China. The cost of gas is about US$0.28 per liter if purchased at designated filling stations with coupons obtained from the Embassy. Recommended equipment includes heater/air conditioner, front and rear defroster, windshield washer, both left- and right-hand outside mirrors, and rear fog light (cars without a rear fog light may not travel on any of the expressways, including the expressway to the airport). Spare parts are available. There is more available for Japanese cars, and major Japanese automobile companies have opened dealerships and repair facilities in Beijing and some other cities. Employees find it useful to bring air and oil filters, oil, points, spark plugs, radiator hose, brake fluid, and transmission fluid for automatic transmissions. Antifreeze/ radiator coolant and windshield washer solutions are available locally.

Employees should avoid bringing a car that is difficult to repair or is mechanically sophisticated. Repair facilities continue to improve but remain limited. Fuel injection systems are difficult to repair in China because of the absence of proper tools. The repair of standard Japanese vehicles is easiest. Repair facilities for Ford vehicles are located 2 hours away in the port city of Tianjin. There are repair facilities for other American cars, but the mechanics are not necessarily up to U.S. standards. Chinese mechanics can do simple repairs, and occasionally, mechanics at the Embassy do repair work in their spare time, but they are limited in the amount of work they can accept.

Guangzhou. The Chinese Government places no restrictions on the import of a personal vehicle by those with diplomatic passports. Many staff members have shipped personally owned vehicles to post. Vehicles should be equipped with air-conditioning and be easy to maintain. It should be noted that there are restrictions placed on the sale of vehicles. Moreover, it is probable that any sales transactions that could be made within legal parameters would be in RMB, a nonconvertible currency. Also, since it is difficult to get parts and because maintenance services are minimal at post, the owner should bring his/her own replacement parts and be prepared to perform routine maintenance. The majority of cars are Japanese models, and Toyota has recently opened a service facility in the city. Peugeot has a factory on the outskirts of town and has designated authorized service centers as well. This, nonetheless, does not preclude the aforementioned problem with parts and maintenance. Liability insurance costs about 200 RMB (US$24) a year.

Shanghai. Some staff in the apartments closest to the Consulate General have found that they can do without a car; however, others prefer having a private vehicle, as the public transportation system is terribly overcrowded (four passengers per seat is the official estimate), and taxis are not always available when you need them. The joint-venture housing does offer free transport to the American School, as well as limited schedule shuttle service into town. Taxis are located on site and can be booked for use in outside shuttle operation. Taxi fares are reasonable. About 75% of the Consulate General staff have automobiles. Right-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted in Shanghai. Local authorities have advised, however, that there are no restrictions on motorcycles. Any travel (official and unofficial) beyond 25 miles of the Consulate General must be declared to the local authorities.

Shenyang. Regulations similar to the rest of China apply. About one-half of the Consulate General staff members have private cars, but personal vehicles are not necessary for work. Gasoline is inexpensive; the supply is sporadic; and long lines are the rule at Shenyang’s few gas stations. Parts for all makes of car (including Japanese) are expensive and difficult to find. There is now an authorized Toyota dealership in town. Most repair parts are purchased from Hong Kong. Some staff members have bicycles for fair-weather excursions to various sites within the city.

Chengdu. In reversal from previous years, five out of six permanent Foreign Service employees have personally owned vehicles at post. The Consulate compound is just outside the city center, and cars are now used for daily activities in addition to special trips out of town. Parking spaces in the city are limited, and some employees still find it more convenient to ride a bicycle into town (bike parking is plentiful). The number of roads leading out of town that are open to vehicles with consular tags has increased, but there are other roads that are off-limits. No restrictions exist on the type of vehicles that may be imported. Chengdu has adequate repair facilities for the maintenance of Toyota’s, but most car companies are represented on the streets of Chengdu. Nevertheless, if bringing a car to post, it is advisable to ship a basic stock of spare parts, as inventories are limited.

Transportation

Local Transportation Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:54 AM

A well-developed rail system exists in most areas of China. Passenger service, including sleeping car accommodations, is available between all major cities. Domestic air service is extensive, and routes are now serviced almost entirely by jets, many of them American made. On less important routes, there is a mixture of Russian-built turboprops and Chinese or Russian propeller planes. Transportation, especially air costs, are high.

Most major Chinese cities have taxis. Language can be a problem. Even with handy guides for pronouncing your destination in Pinyon Chinese, taxi drivers may have difficulty understanding. Taxi stands with English-speaking dispatchers are available at most Beijing hotels, and taxis of all shapes and sizes congregate in areas frequented by Westerners in the hopes of getting a fare, or they can be easily hailed on the street. Most taxis are metered and charge US$1.83 at flag-down and US$0.32 a kilometer. The fares are set, and passengers need not worry about being overcharged, unless they enter a taxi without a meter. Receipts are given upon request. There is no tipping.

A shuttle bus is authorized for locations that have unreliable transportation. In Shenyang and Chengdu, the Consulate buildings and residences are adjacent to each other.

Transportation

Regional Transportation Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:55 AM

Nonstop international air service links Beijing with Japan and to many cities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. All employees and family members newly assigned to the Consulates General generally travel to their posts via 1 day of consultation in Beijng.

The Chinese flag carrier, CAAC, provides air service between Beijing and Hong Kong, Bangkok, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Osaka, Sydney, Manila, Karachi, Nagasaki, Tokyo, and Rangoon, as well as to cities in the U.S. Other airways represented in Beijing include Aeroflot, Air France, British Air, Dragon Air (to/from Hong Kong), Lufthansa, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Iran Air, All-Nippon Air, Quantas, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swissair, Thai International, and Tarom.

Shanghai has nonstop service to Detroit, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, and Vancouver. Chinese and U.S. air carriers provide direct and indirect air service via Tokyo and Osaka between the U.S. and China. United Airlines offers routes between New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and/or Los Angeles, and Shanghai and Beijing. Northwest Airlines provides passenger service from Los Angeles, via Seattle, to Shanghai and a direct flight through Detroit. Airlines serving Shanghai also include Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, and Shanghai Airlines (regional services only but separate from CAAC).

Communications

Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:56 AM

Many improvements in telephone service have been made in recent years. The Chinese telephone system is quickly becoming a system meeting U.S. standards. An example of this is the addition of IDD lines. However, the new arrival may experience some frustration when dealing with the Chinese system. All apartments have two telephone instruments installed. Extra telephones and IDD lines may be obtained for an additional fee. The monthly rate for basic service is comparable to that in the U.S.

International calls may be made to most parts of the world and English-speaking operators are on duty 24 hours daily. Connections to the U.S. and to other countries are good, and the cost is comparable to that in the U.S. AT&T, MCI, and Sprint offer access to the U.S. telephone system via a direct-dial number that can be accessed from apartment telephones and many public telephones in Beijing. Post recommends that employees obtain a commercial vendor card (AT&T, MCI, or Sprint are now operational in China), so that calls to the U.S. can be made at preferential rates. In addition, AT&T offers a discount rate (Military Savers Plus) for calls that originate in Beijing between 0800 and 2200 local time at considerable discounts to the standard rate, and at significant savings over telephone calls placed through Chinese IDD line or a Chinese operator.

Seek information on obtaining a calling card before departure for post. If this is not possible, post has calling card applications available, and the applications may be completed after arrival. A U.S. telephone number is not required to obtain a calling card, only a Mastercard or Visa card.

Domestic and international telex and telegraphic service is quick and reliable but can be expensive. The Embassy currently has seven FAX machines. Since IDD lines can be obtained for residences, FAX machines will operate in apartments.

Communications

Internet Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:57 AM

Internet is now available all over China. Local internet providers are available, with connection time charged at an hourly rate plus a one-time registration and connection fee. In Beijing, there are a variety of Internet Service Providers (ISP) to choose from, typically with dial-in modem speeds up to 33.6 KBPS. Charges are generally based on usage, and, although more expensive than in the U.S., are reasonably priced. Connection speeds to websites are slower than in the U.S. but are steadily improving, and leisurely “surfing,” with patience, can be attained.

Communications

Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:59 AM

International mail service is reliable and quick. The average transit time to the U.S. is 10 days. An average first-class airmail letter of 1 oz. to the U.S. will cost $1.25. The cost of international mail is calculated by the gram. One ounce is equal to about 30 grams. For example, envelopes containing bills or a one-page letter cost 10.40 Yuan, or about $1.25.

International addresses are as follows:

Beijing (Employee’s Name) American Embassy Xiu Shui Bei Jie #3 Beijing 100600 People’s Republic of China

Shenyang (Employee’s Name) American Consulate General #52 14th Wei Lu Heping District Shenyang 110003 People’s Republic of China

Shanghai (Employee’s Name) American Consulate General 1469 Huai Hai Zhong Lu Shanghai 200031 People’s Republic of China

Guangzhou (Employee’s Name) American Consulate General #1 South Shamian Street Shamian Island Guangzhou 510033 People’s Republic of China

Chengdu (Employee’s Name) American Consulate General Renmin Nan Lu, Si Duan #4 Lingshiguan Lu Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China

China posts have access to the Military Postal System via the FPO located in Hong Kong for sending and receiving personal mail and packages. Packages should not exceed 40 pounds in weight or 100 inches combined length and girth. Postal regulations require the use of gummed paper tape or filament tape for packages, and a supply of these items should be brought to post, as they are difficult to obtain locally. U.S. postage stamps for letter mail may be obtained at post, but it is recommended that a small supply be brought to post.

Private use of the pouch is not authorized if post has access to the Military Postal System. Unofficial mail received in the Department will be returned to the sender. Please advise your correspondents of the correct FPO address for your post. The average transit time for both letters and packages in the FPO system is 13 days from the U.S. to Hong Kong. Transit between Hong Kong and China adds an additional week.

FPO mail has the following addresses:

Beijing (Employee’s Name) PSC 461 Box 50 FPO–AP 96521–0002

Chengdu (Employee’s Name) PSC 461 Box 85 FPO–AP 96521–0002

Shenyang (Employee’s Name) PSC 461 Box 45 FPO–AP 96521–0002

Shanghai (Employee’s Name) PSC 461 Box 200 FPO–AP 96521–0002

Guangzhou (Employee’s Name) PSC 461 Box 100 FPO–AP 96521–0002

For dependents receiving pouch mail, the addressee’s name should appear on the first line, followed immediately below by the full name of the employee, and the remainder of the address as given above.

Employees with spouses, children, or other eligible family members who have different surnames should advise their post of this fact before having mail sent to post. Unidentified mail will be returned to the sender.

Communications

Radio and TV Last Updated: 12/10/2003 11:59 AM

In addition to Chinese-language programming, local AM and FM radio stations have daily news and feature programs in English and regularly broadcast Western classical and pop music. A shortwave radio will provide you with the opportunity to listen to VOA, BBC, Radio Australia, and other English-language broadcasts.

Several TV channels can be received in most cities, with virtually all programs in color. Although most programs are in Chinese, the national network, CCTV, and municipal stations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou now broadcast English-language news programs. Several popular American television programs are regularly broadcast in Chinese. Cable TV, with programs from the U.S. (CNN, HBO, etc.), Asia (Star TV), Europe, and Japan, is now available in most diplomats’ housing and modern apartments.

TV made for the U.S. or Europe will not receive Chinese broadcasts that use the PAL system. Multisystem, Japanese-manufactured TV sets and VCR players that can play both American and Chinese programs can be ordered through PX facilities, AAFES catalog, or purchased at local department stores at reasonable prices.

Communications

Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:00 AM

Since 1981, the Chinese authorities have been publishing the English-language China Daily, which appears 6 days a week. This newspaper contains local and international news, business reports, a sports page with scores from around the world, and several local features. The China Daily publishes a weekly supplement, Beijing Weekend, that provides information on art, cultural, and general entertainment events.

The International Herald Tribune, the Asian Wall Street Journal, Time, Newsweek, and most other American and European periodicals can be purchased in hotels and bookstores in many major cities.

You can subscribe to the International Herald Tribune or the Pacific editions of Stars and Stripes, Time, and Newsweek. For these publications, international mail or the post’s local address is used. Other U.S. publications may be sent via FPO.

Because English-language books and videos are limited, you may want to bring a good supply, although it is convenient to order these items over the Internet.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:01 AM

Beijing. The Embassy Medical Unit is staffed by a Foreign Service regional medical officer (RMO), two expatriate nurses, a Foreign Service regional medical technologist, and one Chinese receptionist.

The Embassy Medical Unit provides care similar to that available in a small family practice clinic in the U.S. In an acute emergency when hospitalization is necessary, the patient can be hospitalized at a small, American joint-venture hospital (Beijing United Family Hospital), or stay for short periods at a large, joint-venture clinic (AEA Clinic). One of the local (Chinese) hospitals might also be used for stabilization of more complicated medical problems—Peking Union Medical College, Sino-Japanese Hospital, or the Beijing Hospital. Due to the large expatriate community and foreign tourists, the Chinese hospitals have become much more experienced in caring for foreigners. Nevertheless, in recent years, more and more of the expatriate medical care is being handled in the expatriate hospitals and clinics. Patients who need more advanced levels of care that cannot be provided locally will be medically evacuated to Hong Kong or to the U.S.

The Embassy Medical Unit is located behind the Ambassador’s residence. Services in the Medical Unit include a small pharmacy stocked with medicines for most acute illnesses. Individuals on chronic medications (including birth control pills, Ritalin, and contact lens solutions) should bring their supplies with them. Check medical insurance policies for mail-order pharmaceutical service, since those services offer considerable cost-savings. There is also an excellent laboratory that can do most of the tests required in an outpatient primary care clinic. Specimens that cannot be processed in the Embassy laboratory are sent to outside laboratories, either in one of the expatriate medical clinics or to the U.S. The Medical Unit does not have an ambulance, and the local ambulance service is not at all satisfactory, though the expatriate clinics do provide some basic ambulance services.

Although there are no expatriate hospitals, there are several expatriate clinics. The International Medical Center is a joint venture with several expatriate physicians and is open 24 hours daily. The Asia Emergency Assistance (AEA) medical evacuation company also has a clinic near the Ta Yuan diplomatic housing compound. It has a particularly wide range of excellent clinicians. The Beijing United Family Hospital is close to the International School. This facility provides 24-hour emergency outpatient and inpatient care. The excellent laboratory, beautiful d‚cor, and advanced medical equipment make it popular with many patients.

Like everything imported into China, the care at these clinics is relatively expensive, but it is also of an “international” standard. They have had some problems importing vaccines and medicines, but these problems are being rapidly resolved, and they are providing greater pharmacy support for American patients. When the RMO is out of town due to regional responsibilities or off duty or on personal leave, these expatriate clinics provide back up. Patients are generally satisfied with the level of care they receive.

The level of care available in the dental facilities in Beijing has increased over the past few years. The foreign dentists (including one American dentist) at all three of the facilities described above provide a wide range of dental care that is of high quality but can be expensive. Of course, individuals are always well-advised to have any routine dental work done by their personal dentists before coming to Beijing. Although patients needing very complicated orthodontic care should probably not expect to find that available here, there is a surprising range of orthodontic care available now. Patients should query the Embassy Medical Unit about the level of care available to meet their particular orthodontic (or dental) problems.

Health and Medicine

Preventive Measures Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:04 AM

Everyone’s basic immunizations should be current. In addition, the following are recommended for China: Hepatitis B, Japanese B Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, and rabies for individuals who work in high-risk occupations (animal husbandry, for example).

Overall, China is a healthier place than most countries in South Asia or Africa. Cholera, typhoid fever, intestinal parasites, and dysentery are not at all common, and most childhood diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria are quite rare. Malaria prophylaxis is not needed except for overnight, rural exposures in the Hainan Islands and in areas near the Vietnam border.

Hepatitis is a major problem in China (type A, B, and E). Japanese Encephalitis is still a threat during mosquito season. Since vaccines for these diseases require several shots to provide full protection, start the immunization series as soon as possible. Air pollution is bad in China, and anyone with a chronic respiratory problem such as emphysema should not come to China. In the winter months, severe dryness aggravates mucuous membranes, and colds are common. Improvements in the windows in the Embassy and Consulate General housing in recent years have dramatically decreased the amount of particulate pollution inside our homes. Humidifiers are essential for winters in Beijing and Shenyang—both posts provide them. China is a breeding ground for “Asian epidemic influenza.” Annual influenza vaccine is strongly recommended, especially for those with chronic illnesses. Upper respiratory infection is the most common disease seen at the Medical Unit.

While tests done on the water from the municipal systems in most of the major cities have not shown any major medical problems, that water must nevertheless be boiled before drinking. Water distillers are provided by several of the posts, and these are sometimes easier to use than boiling and filtering the water. Many people also use commercial bottled drinking water. Nightsoil is still used for vegetables, and all vegetables should be soaked in a chlorine solution. The fluoride level in China is low, and a supplement is necessary for young children at all of our posts.

Bring plenty of over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol), cold medicines, and skin lotions or creams. These items are also all available locally. An extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses is recommended. The dusty atmosphere is especially hard on contact lenses.

Families with small children are advised to bring a cold mist vaporizer that is helpful in dealing with the winter respiratory illnesses of the young. A heating pad may also be useful. The electric current in China is 50-cycle, 220-volt.

Consulates General. The regional medical officer (RMO) from Beijing provides coverage for all of the Consulates General in China and the American Embassy in Mongolia. The Foreign Service Nurse Practitioner from Hong Kong also covers Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Most of the posts have a locally hired expatriate nurse working part-time at the Medical Unit. Chengdu has a Peace Corps medical officer (nurse or a physician assistant). The medical capability is limited at these Medical Units, and individuals at posts outside of Beijing must rely on Chinese physicians and facilities more than is the case in Beijing. An excellent expatriate clinic is available in Shanghai. All of the Consulate General cities have basic dental facilities for very simple dental emergencies, but most dental problems at the Consulates General must be managed in Hong Kong. All medical and dental evacuations must be coordinated through the RMO in Beijing. Individuals headed for Guangzhou should note that the criteria for medical evacuation are the same for all posts in China. (While Hong Kong’s proximity to Guangzhou provides relatively easy access to Hong Kong’s medical services, this does not mean that every medical or dental problem in Guangzhou can be referred to Hong Kong.)

Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:06 AM

There are frequent full- and part-time job openings at U.S. Embassy Beijing and Consulates General for eligible family members (EFMs) who have professional, administrative, and clerical skills. There is often a demand for private English instruction in the foreign diplomatic and business communities, as well as teaching positions at various local and international schools. Please refer to a current Overseas Family Member Employment Report (FAMER) and the annual Family Liaison Office (FLO) Report for more details on positions available at the Embassy and Consulates General. It is based on information collected from posts worldwide and lists positions within Embassies or Consulates General held by eligible family members (EFMs).

There is no bilateral work agreement between the U.S. and the P.R.C. The Chinese Government requires diplomatic family members to waive all diplomatic immunity—criminal as well as administrative—in order to work on the local economy. Naturally, the Embassy and Consulates General do not allow family members to waive their diplomatic immunity for any reason.

For practical purposes, this means Embassy and Consulate General family members are limited to working within the American Embassy or Consulates General at the American Employees Association, other Embassies or Consulates General, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and the international schools. A teaching certificate and experience is usually required for fulltime teaching positions (see Education, school sections, for contact addresses). The number of vacancies varies greatly each year; qualified eligible family members are urged to contact schools as early as possible.

American Embassy - Beijing

Post City Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:06 AM

Beijing is on the northern edge of the North China Plain. To the west and north are hills, rising to 11,000 feet while flat, fertile farmlands stretch to the south and east. The city has five ring roads (some sections are raised highways) which allow for easier access around the city and to the outskirts. Despite the construction of several expressways and the extension of the fourth ring road, worsening overall traffic congestion, caused by a proliferation of taxicabs and privately owned vehicles on city streets, is an ever increasing problem.

Pockets of splendid old buildings—notably the Forbidden City of the Ming and Qing Dynasties—still preserve the charm of premodern Beijing. In all sections of Beijing, though, new high-rise office buildings, hotels, shopping complexes, and apartment houses are either under construction or recently completed. Nonstop change is evident everywhere, although certain sections of the city are still largely characterized by narrow streets fronted by gray walls, beyond which gray roofs with slightly upturned gables mark courtyards and residences, intersected with blocks of brick apartments for workers.

Change is not only evident in the overwhelming number of construction projects. Trendy nightspots, restaurants of all cuisines and classes (including more than 40 McDonalds), shopping plazas crammed with imported goods, and Internet cafés all reflect China’s leap into the modern world. Beijing has always been the “center” of things Chinese. Today, it is the central meeting place for the international business and diplomatic worlds. Being part of this fast-moving social and cultural tide is itself half the fascination of being in Beijing.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:08 AM

The Embassy opened officially on March 1, 1979, replacing the U.S. Liaison Office at Beijing, after full diplomatic relations were established between the U.S. and the P.R.C. on January 1, 1979. The Mission has three separate compounds. The Chancery, known as “San-Ban,” is located at Xiu Shui Bei Jie #3 in the Ritan diplomatic area, 2 miles from the center of Beijing. It houses the offices of the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, Political, Economic, Science and Technology, Communications Sections, Regional Security Office, Programs and Plans, and the Defense Attaché Office. The Bruce Compound, or “Er-Ban,” is across the street at Xiu Shui Dong Jie #2 and houses the Consular Section, the Administrative Section, the CLO Office, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Embassy Employees Association “Locker” (commissary), and GSO offices and shops. Nearby at Guang Hua Lu #17 is Yi-Ban, which houses the Information and Cultural Section, the Health Unit, and the Ambassador’s residence. The Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) offices are located in the FCS Office Building adjacent to the Chancery at Xiu Shui Bei Jie #3. Directly behind the FCS Office Building is the Embassy Recreation Center with a snackbar, indoor swimming pool, and sauna. All compounds are within a 15-minute walk from the two oldest permanent diplomatic housing areas at Qijiayuan and Jianguomenwai. Additional Embassy housing is located in the Sanlitun area about 3 miles north of the Chancery, at Ta Yuan, Capital Mansion, and Pacific Century Place.

The recent growth of the Embassy has necessitated rental of both office space and apartments on the commercial market. The American Center for Educational Exchange is located on the 28th floor of the Jingguang Center, a modern high-rise office building a short driving distance from the compounds at 2801-05 Hujia Lu. The Federal Aviation Administration, INS, Customs, and APHIS all have office space in commercial buildings located about 10 minutes from the Chancery.

The Embassy switchboard number is 6532–3831 for San-Ban and for Er-Ban. During working hours, Er-Ban operates its own switchboard at 6532–3431. Both the Information and Cultural Center and the Health Unit have a direct switchboard number at 6532–1161. The number at the American Center is 6501–5242, and at FAA/INS/Customs/APHIS building it is 6595–8093. Embassy office hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Embassy’s web site address is: http://WWW.USEMBASSYCHINA.ORG.CN The web site is maintained by the Public Affairs Section, has interesting and up-to-date information (such as pollution indexes).

Employees and spouses should bring to post at least ten 2” x 2” passport-size photos, to be used for Ministry of Foreign Affairs identification cards, driver’s licenses, and occasional third-country visas.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:08 AM

Newly assigned employees should inform the Embassy of arrival plans as far in advance as possible. Employees are urged to arrive on weekdays. For the last several years, the Embassy has been able to put most new arrivals directly into their permanent housing upon arrival or within 2 or 3 weeks thereafter. If permanent quarters are not available immediately on arrival, temporary housing is usually in an apartment at one of the diplomatic compounds. Hotels are rarely used.

Housing

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:09 AM

The Embassy’s Interagency Housing Board assigns permanent quarters based on a combined point and space criteria system that takes into account (in order) family size, date of arrival at post, and any unusual medical problems. Length of service and grade can influence housing assignments in case of ties based on the top criteria.

The Embassy has made great strides recently in improving both the quality and variety of housing. Now only personnel who, for reasons of convenience, desire to reside in Housing Services apartment housing continue to do so. Most families now live in USG leased- or -owned housing concentrated in downtown highrise apartment buildings. Responding, however, to the International School of Beijing’s relocation to the suburbs, we have begun to acquire housing for families with children in single family dwellings outside of town. While this gives Embassy children easy access to school, the trade off is a 25–40 minute commute into the Embassy for the employee. All Embassy housing is located in buildings and areas reserved for the exclusive occupancy of foreign residents.

Though our apartments have generally improved, kitchens are still, on average, too small to entertain efficiently, and insufficient storage space remains a problem.

The Ambassador’s residence has a master bedroom, a bath, a living/dining area, a small kitchen, and two small guest bedrooms upstairs; a library, large entry hall, reception, dining room, guest bedroom with bath, lavatory, kitchen and laundry on the ground floor; and storage and utility rooms in the basement. The reception area opens onto a partially covered patio used for large gatherings in the spring through autumn months.

Housing

Furnishings Last Updated: 9/16/2005 3:53 PM

The apartments are adequately furnished by the Embassy, and additional furniture usually cannot be accommodated. There are few or no storage areas for unwanted items, and employees are encouraged to limit their shipments to essentials. Following is a list of furniture provided in a typical apartment:

Living room: 1 or 2 sofas, 2 or 3 occasional chairs, coffee table, 2 or 3 lamps, shelving unit

Dining room: Dining table with extensions, 8 chairs, china cabinet, buffet/side board

Kitchen: stove, microwave oven, refrigerator (freezer), washer, dryer

Master bedroom: queen-size bed (some apartments may have twin beds), 2 night tables, dresser, mirror, 2 lamps, occasional chair

Additional bedrooms: single bed/couch with bed, chest of drawers, 1 night table Furnishings also include rugs, lamps, draperies, humidifiers, air-conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and transformers. Transformers are furnished only for Government-issued appliances and computer equipment. Bring linens (bed linens for queen-sized and single beds only), dishes, kitchen equipment, and personal objects for decoration.

Storage and closet space is minimal in all apartments. An extra set of shower curtains, with hooks, will be useful as they are hard to find in Beijing and after a year of use, appear soiled from the mineral deposits in the water. Nonslip bath mats and bathroom rugs are also useful.

Beijing’s dust and pollution are a problem year round, but especially penetrating and pervasive in the winter and spring, when dust storms occur. Soft coal, though being supplanted with natural gas in the heart of Beijing, is still widely used as a winter fuel outside the Third Ring Road and adds an oily, gray quality to the air. Needless to say, the dust and pollution can ruin fine rugs and tapestries, and electronic equipment needs to be protected as best as possible at all times.

Most people bring pictures, lamps, knickknacks, etc., to give a personal touch to their apartments. A variety of Chinese furniture, scrolls, paintings, rugs, porcelain, trunks, and souvenirs can be purchased locally. Many employees try to save some weight in their household effects to accommodate their purchases in China.

Housing

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:12 AM

Beijing electric current is 220v, 50 cycles. Wall sockets are typically designed for three-sprocket plugs, with the top two sprockets angled out at 45 degrees, but the plugs in different apartments, and even in the same apartment, may vary widely. American-style plugs can usually be twisted to fit the top two receptacles but provide no ground. The Embassy provides some transformers that permit use of 110v equipment and appliances. Most modern appliances (including TVs, cassette recorders, boom boxes, compact disc players, answering machines, FAX machines, etc.) with 60-cycle name plates will run on 110v, 50-cycle power without a problem. Similarly, computers and monitors will also run on 50-cycle power through a transformer without any difficulties.

Some Embassy staff have encountered problems with miswired transformers that have caused equipment to fail. One Embassy staffer recommends that if you bring equipment with U.S. three-prong plugs, purchase a three-prong plug wiring checker, which is available at most hardware stores. This checker, through easy to read lights, will diagnose whether a transformer is correctly wired and will not damage equipment connected to it. Surge protectors for computers and FAX machines are also highly recommended.

All apartments in diplomatic compounds have hot and cold running water provided by a central system, but reliability in individual buildings varies widely, and lack of adequate hot water often occurs without notice. Some apartments seldom get adequate hot water, despite constant complaints from tenants. In late spring or early summer, the city’s hot water system is closed for a variable period (usually about 1–2 weeks) for maintenance, leaving all residents with only cold water. A small capacity hot water heater has been installed in all apartments which, during this period, will supply hot water for basic bathing needs. Apartments located outside diplomatic compounds do not have their hot water turned off in the spring.

Stoves use city gas. Radiators give more than ample heat in the winter and supplemental heaters are not required. Electric clocks, record players, tape recorders, etc., will not work properly unless designed for, or adapted to, 50-cycle power.

Conversion plugs can be obtained from the Embassy or purchased locally. Several heavy duty extension cords will be useful in most apartments. The electrical supply is dependable, but wiring is inadequate, and only a limited number of appliances may be used at the same time, especially in the older, diplomatic compounds. Fuse boxes are locked, and fuses can be replaced only by building personnel, who may not come immediately, especially at night. Many 220v appliances (coffee makers, blenders, rice cookers, TV, VCR, DVD players, etc.) can be purchased locally for reasonable prices.

Food Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:27 AM

Growth of the retail trade business has made it possible to find locally a wide array of imported goods and most of the components of a typical American diet. Besides the outdoor neighborhood market stalls, where prices are almost always cheap (bargaining for a price is a must), there are now several larger supermarkets as well as smaller neighborhood-style convenience stores selling local and imported items. Imported food is expensive. You will find local products at prices comparable to the Washington, D.C. area. Warehouse shopping, a new trend in China, offers imported as well as locally produced items for sale at reasonable prices. Some of these stores require a membership fee.

Fresh and frozen meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, are easily available. Various delicatessens around town, newer supermarkets, and a German butcher offer Western cuts of meat, as well as fresh and frozen chicken (both whole and cut-up) and turkey and duck (frozen poultry products are also sold at the Locker). Hormel offers a delicious selection of hot dogs, bacon, ham, and sausage. Fresh and frozen seafood comes in many varieties (and quality). Shrimp, scallops, squid, and imported fish such as rainbow trout, to name a few, can be found. Imported cheeses (at very high prices), deli meats, and fresh baked goods are also available.

Fresh pasteurized, homogenized milk is sold almost everywhere. UHT (long-life) milk (low-fat and skim, as well as full fat) is also available (imported mainly from Australia). Butter, margarine, and cheddar-style cheese are available in both locally made and imported varieties. A Swedish-Chinese joint-venture company produces a heavy cream similar to crème fraîche, yogurt (plain and limited selections of flavors), cottage cheese, and sour cream. With the exception of yogurt, however, these items are rather expensive (imported brands at higher prices are also available).

Fresh fruit and produce is abundant. Outdoor markets and supermarkets stock a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round. Produce available year round includes cabbage, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, beets, carrots, garlic and bean sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, corn, eggplant, lettuce, green peppers, spinach, and string beans. The popularity of “hothouse farming” has made available such diverse items as fresh white mushrooms, Italian parsley, okra, zucchini, Japanese eggplant, and beautifully ripe tomatoes. Boutique fruit stands offer seasonal and expensive fruits such as mangoes, lemons, imported apples, cherries and Asian pears. Chinese-grown fruit—banana, watermelon, peaches, lychees, strawberries, persimmons, pineapples, plums, and mandarin oranges—are available at different times of the year.

Supermarkets sell frozen vegetables at considerably higher prices than in the U.S. Canned items are also available; their quality may vary but the prices are consistently high. A variety of juices are regularly available either fresh, canned, or in cartons, including orange, grapefruit, pineapple, tomato, guava, grape, and various juice blends. All are expensive compared to prices in the U.S.

All of the following are easily found: grains (several varieties of rice, cornmeal, oatmeal, macaroni, spaghetti, millet); spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, coriander, non-iodized salt, pepper, curry powder, chili powder, sesame seeds and paste, anise); nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, cashews); granulated sugar, cooking oils, cookies, jams, honey, vinegar, catsup, beer, wine (both imported and Chinese), soda water, mineral water, imported spirits, and many Western brands of candy and gum. Bagels and catered gourmet food are also available.

You may wish to bring along some convenience foods you particularly like, especially any gourmet items.

Infants’ and children’s products. If you have infants, bring sufficient supplies of baby food. The local supply is limited, and baby cereals contain added sugar.

Infant formula is available in many American, European, and Asian brands, including Enfamil, Similac, Isomil, Dumex (Australian), Isolac (Dutch), Nan (sold all over Asia), Snow (Japanese), Frisolac, and Nursoy, at prices similar to those in the U.S. You can also purchase lactose-free, soy-based formulas (soy-based are a little harder to find). Other European brands are also available. Kraft and Nestle powdered milks, imported and domestically made (full-fat), can be purchased here. Fresh and long-life (UHT) milk is available in low and full fat. If you must have a particular brand, check with post before you make bulk purchases; it may have appeared on the local markets.

Infant formula can be purchased at all joint-venture hotel supermarkets, at the Friendship and Duty-Free stores, and at more upscale Chinese stores.

Diapers are available, both imported and Chinese brands. Disposable diapers in most sizes, at reasonable prices, are available locally. Other products for infants (e.g., baby wipes, diaper cleaning solution, pacifiers, toothbrushes, bottles, lotions, powder, shampoo, clothes, etc.) are usually available, although they can be expensive. Try to bring a good supply of infant products with you, and then plan on ordering more or having relatives send supplements from the U.S.

Baby juices, biscuits, cereals, and baby food are available but are expensive, in limited selection, and often have added sugar. Powdered rice, wheat, and other grain cereals are widely sold but may contain added sugar. If you plan to rely heavily on canned or jarred foods, you should definitely bring them with you, or order through the Locker.

For older children’s food needs, you should just be aware that staples like American breakfast cereals, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, juices, etc., can be very expensive locally and should be bulk-ordered whenever possible. Good local jams and jellies are available.

Locally made bottles and nipples are available and inexpensive, although the quality of the plastic may not be up to U.S. standards. Imported bottles, brushes, and nipples are sometimes available at the Duty-Free Store, the Friendship Stores, and the larger department stores, like Gui-You, Yaohan, and Landao. Baby goods supplies can be irregular. If your child likes a particular brand of pacifier, nipple, etc., buy as much as you think you will need before you come. If you want a bottle sterilizer, breast pump, bottle warmer or caddy, be sure to bring those with you as well.

Personal care items (for adults and children/infants): lotion, powder, shampoo, etc., and any over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, vitamins, cold remedies, etc., are available but expensive and of a different quality.

A good rule of thumb: if you have a favorite brand of some specialty items, where possible, include a supply in your shipment. Any item that must be imported will be rather expensive. Here is a quote to consider: “There is the occasional depression that overtakes the staunchest spirit here.” For those down periods, wedding anniversaries, or other special occasions, bring some luxury items near and dear to your stomach!

The American Employees Association was founded to conduct activities primarily for the benefit and welfare of the employees and their families of the U.S. Mission in Beijing and extends such activities to other persons (such as temporary duty personnel and Consulate General employees and families), as designated by the Board of Directors. Employees are welcomed and encouraged to join AEA, for which a refundable membership fee is required. This allows access to the Locker and various other services, including video rentals, travelers checks, and bill-paying services to local vendors. AEA services include:

Great Wall Locker. Imported from the U.S. is a variety of foods, soft drinks, chips, paper products, cleansers, canned goods, cereals, coffee, powdered milk, juices, mayonnaise, condiments, wines, and liquor. Stock is designed to complement goods available locally, furnishing basic needs and popular products. Local products are also stocked, such as meats from the German Butcher and Hormel, bagels, cheese, and ice cream.

Bulk orders. The Great Wall Locker places orders for U.S. goods about four times a year. AEA members can add a personal order for products by caselot.

Snackbar. “Fan-Ban” (snackbar that is run by a concessionaire) is open for breakfast and lunch and offers both Chinese and America-cuisine. The food is moderately priced and of good quality. Outdoor seating is available during warm weather.

Internet bill-paying service. Many members enjoy Internet service on their home computers. For a small monthly fee, AEA offers a “bill-paying” service freeing members from paying their individual bills personally.

Summer camp. AEA sponsors a summer day camp for kids ages 5–12 from mid-June through the beginning of August. The camp is professionally run by fully trained counselors from the University of Northern Iowa’s Camp Adventure program and is open to the Embassy and expatriate community. The camp features field trips, swimming, crafts, and games with a new theme each week. Counselor-in-training positions provide opportunities for teens to work with the Camp Adventure staff, and Li’l People Camp, for ages 3 and 4, provides age-appropriate activities, games, arts and crafts, and swimming. Camp spaces fill up fast; E-mail AEA at: aeabeij@eastnet.com.cn.

America Community Preschool. AEA manages the contract for the America Community Preschool (ACP), which was established by a group of parents in 1993 with the objective of providing quality preschool education within the American community. The school runs half-days Monday through Friday for 3- and 4-year-olds. The daily routine is designed to develop the socialization skills of 3-year-olds and prepare the 4-year-olds for kindergarten. ACP is run by a board composed of the parents of the students and taught by certified teachers. E-mail: aeabeij@eastnet.com.cn

Clothing Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:29 AM

Summer months and even late spring and early fall can be very hot and humid, much like Washington, D.C. Spring and autumn are pleasant, but seasons rapidly change. Winters are dry with usually very little snow, sometimes only a small number of snowfalls of not more than a few inches or less. Windy conditions, especially in winter and early spring, can make it bitterly cold. The drought of the past few years has increased the frequency of dust storms and most people now find it necessary to use air cleaners in their homes. Dust mixed with rain has even produced a mud rain day.

During hot sunny days, protective clothing is a must, along with moisturizer and sunblock. Though it seems to rarely rain at all these days in Beijing, when it does, it rains in torrents so a long raincoat and waterproof boots are useful, especially since drainage on Beijing streets is not so good. Prepare your wardrobe with extremes in mind, especially if you will be doing a lot of traveling in China—from the northeast where you need as many layers as you can wear in the winter to the desert in the northwest during the summer, where maximum temperatures go to 117ºF.

For outdoor winter activities, people generally wear long underwear, warm tops, and pants, with a variety of wool, down-filled, and other coats, hats, and scarves. Boots only need to be ankle high, unless you want higher boots for warmth. In summer, you need to have layers just as in Washington, D.C. to go from home air-conditioning to hot, muggy streets, and into the air-conditioning at the office or in shopping malls.

Working men and women should bring a wardrobe of business clothes. Both men’s and women’s business suits can be tailored here for moderate to expensive prices in local or imported fabrics. Women’s dressy tailoring is also available and quite good. This said, most people still replenish their wardrobes on R&R or home leave travel to the U.S.

Foreigners’clothing is fairly informal and reflects prevailing fashions in Europe and the U.S., or in their native country with a variety of national costumes seen in the diplomatic compounds and at international events. Business suits, street-length and long dresses, and pantsuits are worn at banquets and dinners for visiting delegations where there are Chinese hosts or guests. Only rare occasions will be black tie affairs. There are several balls every year in the foreign community. For men, you may want to bring a tuxedo or you can have one made here. For women, at least one ball gown or ankle-length dressy outfit for the annual Marine Ball in November would be nice to have. Daytime requires sturdy, practical, and generally washable clothing. Beijing tends to be dirty and dusty. Dry-cleaning is reasonable and readily available.

Bring at least a year’s supply of footwear; good quality shoes are hard to find. Bring tennis shoes, walking shoes, boots, and hiking boots with you. Many interesting outings require sturdy footwear. Bring all your underwear, stockings, socks, etc., since local items can be of poor quality, expensive, and may not fit well.

Local department stores and markets do carry some underwear, sports and dress shirts, silk underwear, down and other jackets, and sweaters. Most employees prefer to bring or order their favorite brands and styles from the U.S. for the bulk of their wardrobes. Shopping in the free markets for down and other jackets, silk items, sweaters, scarves, and hats is very popular. Some Western companies contract with Chinese firms to have items produced in China, and some, often seconds, show up in the flea markets at bargain prices compared to their U.S. equivalents.

Baby clothes are very inexpensive here. Keep in mind that for children under age 2, most Chinese clothing comes with split (open in the back) pants, since they do not generally use diapers. Bring an initial supply of baby clothing and supplement with local clothing and by ordering by catalog or the Internet. Bring good sturdy climbing clothing for toddlers.

For older children, the flea markets carry a large selection of jeans, sweaters, T-shirts, and other “teen” things at inexpensive to moderate prices. Clothing for school should include sweatsuits for physical education class and sneakers. Bring children’s shoes or plan to shop by catalog or the Internet.

Ordering with U.S. companies over the Internet is popular, and clothes can be received in as little as 2 weeks through the FPO in Hong Kong and the branch FPO in Beijing.

Because of the dryness in winter, static electricity can be a problem. Static spray is available; people keep it in their office drawer for daily use.

Supplies and Services

Supplies Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:31 AM

Almost every category of supplies is available in Beijing, although your preferred brand may not be. Most Western items can be ordered in bulk through the American Employees Association (see Food) from the U.S. New supermarkets and warehouse supermarkets (some with memberships) have opened in recent years, offering a wide choice of items that are close to U.S. prices, especially for bulk purchases.

Bring at least an initial supply of brands of toiletries and cosmetics you prefer. Local products can differ widely from what Americans are used to, but some brands are acceptable. Western cosmetics and toiletries are available in a number of stores at reasonable prices. Bath oils and lotions, moisturizers, and creams are popular, because skin becomes exceedingly dry and itchy in the dry winter climate.

Most local household cleaning products are not up to Western standards. The Embassy Locker and local supermarkets carry American cleaning products, and the prices are reasonable. Since the water in Beijing is exceptionally hard, American-style detergents such as Tide do a much better job cleaning clothes than local detergents. Other good European and Asian cleaning products are available as well.

Cockroaches can be a problem, especially in the summer, depending on where you live. Bug killer, roach traps, and insect repellants are available locally, although roach traps (sticky type roach “motels”) can be hard to find. Flies and mosquitoes are not as much of a problem, although in July and August you may need mosquito killers and bug repellants.

Resealable plastic bags (including freezer bags), aluminum foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap are available, although sometimes more expensive than the U.S. (Some apartments have large freezers.) Glass, plastic, or steel canisters are convenient for storing food stuffs. Some items are sold in reusable containers, but a good supply of Tupperware-type containers is very handy. Some local paper products are acceptable, especially joint venture products. Some satisfactory feminine hygiene supplies are sold locally; including Western brands, but they tend to be expensive and are in small-quantity packages.

Bring party favors, cocktail napkins, gift wrap and ribbon, and shelf paper. Also bring picnic gear and supplies.

A scale (pounds/kilos) is helpful if you buy much of your food on the local market. Supermarket packages have weights in kilograms printed on the labels.

Basic sewing supplies are available, but the quality and range of colors for items like buttons, zippers, and thread can be poor. If you sew or plan to have things made, a basic supply or contact for ordering supplies can be useful, especially if you have favorite brands. Local yarn is not good for needlepoint but is nice for crocheting and knitting. If you bring a sewing machine, bring extra needles, bobbins, belts, etc.

Artists’ supplies are available and inexpensive, but again, you may prefer to bring your own favorite brands. Watercolors, poster paints, and some oils can be found, but few acrylics are available here. Brushes are excellent, but not usually for oil work.

Bottled water and some groceries can be delivered to your apartment from various sources.

Internet or catalog shopping for English-language books, videos, coffee, clothing, spices, and other items is popular.

Supplies and Services

Basic Services Last Updated: 12/10/2003 12:32 AM

There are many hotel and joint-venture company laundry and dry-cleaning facilities. Service is usually good.

Professional carpet cleaners are available locally at moderate cost and are used by some because of the extraordinary amount of dust and pollution in the air.

Although most personnel prefer to replenish wardrobes during a visit to the U.S., good tailoring and dressmaking can be done locally. Tailors can copy clothes from pictures or favorite clothing items, and with a fitting session or two, they can produce good results. Good silk, wool, linen, blended suit fabric, and brocades (inexpensive by U.S. standards) are available, but cotton, men’s shirt, and wash-and-wear fabrics can be hard to find and should be brought from the U.S. Most people have been pleased with the clothes they have had made here.

Men’s barbers and women’s beauticians are located in separate establishments, hotels, and at the International Club. Professional hair coloring is available. Prices vary.

Shoe repair shops can be found on Wangfujing, the downtown shopping street, at other small establishments sprinkled around town, and at the Lido Hotel, a half-hour’s drive from the Embassy.

There are an increasing number of quick photo-developing shops springing up around Beijing. Film, including APS film, can be developed locally. The quality of the prints and slides is good. One-hour service is available for normal 35mm film processing and reprinting and is not expensive by U.S. standards. APS film takes about 2 days to develop, since it is sent to a central processing factory. Some mail-order film developing services are quite good but they take time. Film is available at the Duty-Free Shop and at various department stores and hotels.

Electrical appliances can sometimes be repaired, but depending on the type of repair or equipment, this can be difficult. Shop personnel are not likely to speak English and may not be familiar with the product. Some people have had TVs, VCRs, and stereo equipment successfully repaired at reasonable rates.

Several car service shops are available but can be limited in spare parts, diagnostic equipment, and knowledge of more sophisticated car systems. New tires are available from Good Year. There is a car rental company, but you must have a Chinese driver’s license. See Transportation Section for more car repair service information.

Express mail service is offered by FedEx, EMS, and DHL-Sinotrans. Telephone calling card services are offered by AT&T and GlobalPhone.

Supplies and Services

Domestic Help Last Updated: 12/10/2003 1:52 PM

Domestic help is available, but quality varies. Most domestic employees do not speak English. While some employees are still hired through the Diplomatic Services Bureau, many employees now make their own private arrangements for domestic help. This is not without risk, however, since Chinese authorities posted outside the diplomatic housing units periodically become more aggressive in conducting identification checks and other forms of harassment to keep non-DSB domestic workers out of the compounds. The DSB (and reportedly FESCO) is willing, however, to “enroll” a privately-hired domestic worker so that the worker can receive documentation necessary to get past the gate guards. For the current situation, please contact the CLO. Help can be hired on a full-time or part-time basis, and often single employees or couples with no children will share an ayi (pronounced AH-YEE). A full-time DSB ayi costs about $250 a month, and a cook about $400. (Generally, if you hire a cook you will need an ayi to clean up after the cook as well.) Some ayis can do a little cooking as well, such as making dumplings (jiaozi). This needs to be negotiated with the ayi during the employment interview. DSB ayis may request subsidies for purchase of their noon meal, and/or work clothing. For large parties or official functions, cooks or waiters can be hired from the International Club or the DSB on an hourly basis.

DCMs generally find that a cook, waiter, and ayi are necessary. Section chiefs, and some other personnel, find a cook and/or an ayi desirable. Almost all find an ayi useful. The main responsibility of the ayi is to look after small children. Some are willing to assist with housework or do light cooking.

Full-time domestics work a 40-hour week, 8-hour week days. A 1-hour lunch and rest period is given. Cooks prepare only two meals, and, if they work late in the evening, they may request compensatory time off the following day as well as overtime. Their repertoires are usually limited.

Catering service is available through the International Club, some hotels, the occasional local restaurant, and from expatriate caterers who work on a freelance basis.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 12/10/2003 1:53 PM

Catholic Mass is offered in English every Saturday evening at the Canadian Embassy and in Spanish every Sunday at the Philippine Embassy. A Catholic Mass is offered Sunday morning at two Chinese cathedrals in Beijing; the churches are independent of Rome, and some services are in Latin.

Nondenominational Protestant services in English are also held here. Beijing International Christian Fellowship services are held at the Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center Sunday mornings. Sunday school for ages 4 through high school meets during the fellowship hour. Congregation of the Good Shepherd meets every Sunday morning at the Capital Club, Capital Mansion. There is Sunday school for children and fellowship activities. Most Chinese Protestant Church services are in Chinese.

Muslim services are offered in Arabic and Chinese at three Beijing Mosques.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds services every Sunday morning at Capital Mansion, 4th floor.

Jewish services are held every Friday evening at the Capital Club, Capital Mansion.

Informal Christian Science meetings are also held.

Other groups meet in people’s homes. There is a women’s Bible study group that meets at the Lido Hotel on Thursdays and a BICF Men’s fellowship group, with monthly and weekly meetings. Contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’i in the U.S. before you arrive to find a contact in China.

There are a number of working Buddhist Temples in Beijing.

Information on religious services is available from American Citizen Services or CLO, American Embassy or through the American Community Club.

Education

Dependent Education Last Updated: 12/10/2003 1:59 PM

With the rapid growth of the foreign community, Beijing has experienced a deficit of educational opportunities for children, especially in the upper grades. Fortunately, this has not affected Embassy children who are granted priority status at the International School of Beijing (ISB), which is attended by Embassy children.

Most offer ISB preschool through high school grades. Please be aware that ISB accepts students only with very mild learning disabilities that can be met with minor modifications to instruction within the regular curriculum and only after testing and evaluation as to whether ISB can meet the student’s needs. Beijing has several other schools. A number of families have children in WAB, Western Academy of Beijing, which provides education for grades prekindergarten through 8. As in the case of ISB, WAB accepts students with mild learning disabilities but it is a good idea to contact the school in advance to determine if they can meet your child’s needs. Another English-language school based on American and British curriculums is BISS, Beijing BISS International School, through grade 12.

Bilingual schools include the Beijing Yew Chung International School (BIS), which uses a British-based curriculum (K-form one to 13 years of age), and NSCL, the New School of Collaborative Learning (PreK–10).

There are also Japanese, French, German, Indian, Pakistani, Scandinavian, and other nationalities’ schools. Parents with particular interest in these schools may contact the CLO.

There is also a choice in preschools ranging from the American Community Preschool (ACP) on the Embassy grounds to various English-speaking preschools, such as the International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) to the Beihai You’er Yuan preschool, where only Chinese is spoken. If you desire the full Chinese experience for your child, you may want to consider two schools—Fang Cao Di Elementary School and Middle School No. 55—which have sections specifically designed for foreign students. These programs often have limitations on enrollment capacity (i.e., one foreigner per classroom at Beihai). Other preschools are located in the Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center, Lido Hotel, Asian Games Village. Please do not wait until arrival at post to inquire. For more information, consult the OBC China boxes, CLO, or contact schools directly:

International School of Beijing: Building #7, Lido Complex Ji Chang Road, Jiang Tai Road Beijing 100004 The People’s Republic of China Tel: (86–10)–6437–6688, ext.1242 Fax: (86–10)–6437–6989 ISB web site: www.isb.bj.edu.cn E-mail: admissions@isb.bj.edu.cn, Also isb-info@isb.bj.edu.cn

The International School of Beijing (ISB), founded by the Embassies of the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada in 1980, offers classes from prekindergarten (PreK 4-year-old) through grade 12. The ISB is a fully accredited, private, nonsectarian, coeducational, American curriculum, college preparatory day school. ISB also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, with a 2-year preuniversity course of studies. The ISB is constructing a new campus in the suburbs to the northeast of Beijing and plans to relocate for the 2001–2002 academic year. Contact the CLO or the school directly for updates.

Western Academy of Beijing: 7 A Bei Si Huan Dong Road Chao Yang District Beijing 100015 The People’s Republic of China Tel: (86–10)–6437–7295/6/7 Fax: (86–10)–6437–5936 WAB web site: www.wab.edu E-mail: wabinfo@ns.wab.senet.gov.cn E-mail: admissions@ns.wab.senet.gov.cn

Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), provides education for grades prekindergarten through 8. WAB is a fully accredited, independent, not-for-profit, coeducational day school, which opened in 1994.

Beijing BISS International School Anzhen Xili, Area 4, Bldg. 17 Chaoyang District Beijing 100029 The People’s Republic of China Tel.; (86–10) 6443–3151/3152/3153 Fax: 6433–3156 BISS web site: www.biss.com.cn E-mail: admissions@biss.com.cn

BISS, with the support of its parent school, the ISS International School Singapore, provides coeducational preschool to grade 12 through an integrated American and British curriculum. BISS, established in 1994, has an IB program.

Beijing Yew Chung International School (BIS) Honglingjin Park No. 5 Houbalizhuang Chaoyang District Beijing 100025 The People’s Republic of China Tel.: (86 100 6594–1731 Fax: (86 10) 6594–1734 BIS web site: www.ycef.com E-mail: ycbis@public.b