XICHENG - Living Abroad in Beijing - page 416

programs right through to senior middle school. The school has broad international relation-
ships but has particular ties to Canada. Beijing Yucai School is set in beautiful grounds just
west of Tiantan Park, beside Xiannongtan Park. Though strongly Chinese in character it has
openings for international students and can provide kids with intensive Chinese programs to
bring them up to speed with the local language ( www.bjyucai.com or www.admissions.cn/
bjyucai ) . In general most of these schools require some level of Chinese language before
kids start, and as a parent you may also find the culture between schools and caregivers hard
to adjust to.
For adults in Xicheng, Alliance Fran ç aise de Pekin ( http://beijing.afchine.org ) has a
school at Deshengmen and offers a wide range of French courses, including business and
intensive courses.
Health Care
Like anything in Xicheng, finding international services is more difficult, so you may need
to make a trip to the eastern side of the city if you want the Western experience. May
Flower Dental ( www.mayflowerdental.com.cn ) by Financial Street is very expat friendly
and focuses not only on general dental treatment but cosmetic enhancements as well.
High-level hospital care can be found at Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University
( www.xwhosp.com.cn ) , just south of Changshun subway station (Line 2, exit D2) on
Changchun Jie. This is a level 3, grade A hospital, meaning it's a top level hospital,
and though it is a comprehensive hospital, it also specializes in neurology and geronto-
logy. Not all, but some of its staff speak English. Peking University People's Hospital ( ht-
tp://english.pkuph.edu.cn ) welcomes international patients and visitors, and is also one of
the country's top-ranking hospitals. Almost 100 years old, this hospital strives to be one of
the leading hospitals in the diagnosis and treatment of rare and complex disorders. It's on
the southeast side of Xizhimen subway station (Lines 2, 4, and 13, exit D).
Those with heart conditions should be aware of Fuwai Hospital
( www.fuwaihospital.org ) , situated close to Fuchengmen subway station (Line 2, exit A).
This is the base for the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, and though it is a level
3 grade A hospital, it is exclusively for cardiac issues, so it shouldn't be your choice for flu
or broken ankles. Another well-respected local hospital in the district is Beijing Friendship
Hospital ( www.bfh.com.cn , imd.cnkme.com/english/imc ) , a short distance west of Tiantan
Park. This hospital offers a wide range of services, including a VIP/international wing. This
hospital is a typical choice for patients from East Asia and is particularly well regarded for
its kidney transplant operations.