The capital of the People's Republic of China (with a population of 12 million) and an ancient capital of six dynasties, it is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in the world.

Beijing is the center of China's tourism and one of the world's most fascinating cities. Situated in the northwestern part of China, Beijing is a huge city and has 18 districts. Beijing has countless things to see and do such as temples,parks, museums, palaces and the Great Wall of China is only 75 km away. "You haven't been to China if you haven't stood on the Great Wall."

Beijing's temples, parks, and historic sites all sing wonderfully and powerfully of the dream that was Old Cathay, but in the same hallowed space there's a new Beijing taking shape.

Just outside the exquisite walls of Beijing's historic monuments, steel and concrete are steadily replacing silk and carved wood. Beijing is transforming itself every day -reborn as the capital of the most populous(and potentially most powerful) nation on earth.

Beijing is in the midst of remaking itself on a scale that can scarcely be believed, and this rapid modernization against a backdrop of ancient treasures gives Beijing a wild East-West flavor that is exhilarating. It is a city with two faces, both of which are fascinating to the foreign visitor.

With all its celebrated historical attractions, Beijing may well be the capital of China's past, but it is also the vibrant capital of China's future, and it is here that you can see in broad and determined strokes both what China has been and what it will become.

The Forbidden City still stands at the center of Beijing, its golden tiled roofs and vast, glittering white courtyards are truly a wonder to behold. The Summer Palace has survived, too, at the northwest edge of the city, as has the Temple of Heaven to the south, along with dozens of delicate monuments, old temples, and the courtyard houses in little alleyways or "hutongs", that were once the hallmark of ordinary city life.

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

A VISA IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM Beijing Capital International Airport is located 27 km Northeast from the city center and has both international and domestic flights. After arrival in Beijing the best and easiest way to reach the school is by taxi. The cost of the taxi is around (150RMB) and the trip is about 40 minutes. Be prepared to register upon arrival and remove yourself (with the help of the university) at the end of the program, at the local police station.
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Badaling Section of The Great Wall
The Ming Tombs
Zheng Yang Gate (watch tower)
Lu Gou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge)
LiuLiChang Cultural Street
Tian'anmen Square
Liyuan Theatre (Beijing Opera, known as "China's State Opera")
The Alter of the Sun (one of the five famous altars in Beijing)
The Summer Palace
University credit
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Our school could not be better located, it is within the imperial Gardens in the Wen Hua Gong - the cultural palace of Beijing, surrounded by the silence of the forbidden city.

This area, forming part of the imperial palace, is surrounded by the concealed yet imposing beauty of the Forbidden City, with trees hundreds of years old and garden landscaping in typical Chinese style.

The school is decorated in traditional Chinese style in order to maintain the sacred nature of the building.

Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza and ( Metro station),is only a short walk away.

Other places of interest within walking distance from the school include: Changan Street, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, the Museum of Chinese Art, Wang fu jing (the most famous shopping street in Beijing), many restaurants, shops and the fascinating night market.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 8 students per class.
This program has set start dates and set course lengths of 4, 5, 6 or 12 weeks.

Semester or Year program: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 18 students per class.
Semester and year academic programs have a few set start dates each year.

Alternative Classes & Courses
Tai Chi Training Tai Chi is a gentle art of health and well-being for people of all ages and health conditions.
Chinese Painting An introduction to Chinese painting.

Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class.

Lessons are usually held 8:00am to 12:00 noon, leaving the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.

To apply for the standard program, the applicant should be between 18-60 years of age and completed high to middle school education. The long term program requires the applicant should be between 18-45 years of age and a school graduate or with equivalent schooling.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

The school activities could include cultural trips, sporting events, trips to local villages or businesses and other schools.

Some of the typical cultural opportunities could include Chinese calligraphy, Chinese painting, martial arts, qigong, taiji, and other subjects related to Chinese culture or society. It also arranges for students to visit villages, factories, and schools around country.

At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation).

If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.
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Guesthouse: private room, 2 meals daily (double room available upon request to two people traveling together.)

We offer two star guesthouses in the local neighborhood (maximum 15 minutes by bus, some are within walking distance). Many rooms have en suite bathrooms. Rooms are shared with local and other international students studying at the school.

The guesthouses do not offer cooking facilities however meals will be taken at the school cafeteria which serves local food (no western food). If you prefer to eat out, you can plan to eat at one of the many restaurants surrounding the school campus. Plan to budget around $3- $8 per meal.
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"The program included a good school, good teachers, and surprisingly clean and comfortable accommodations. Generally, my experience of the school was outstanding. My teachers were of good quality, and the clerks were helpful (and patient with my poor Chinese). The government has obviously been striving to make the neighborhood congenial for foreign students."
David Poecking (age 39)
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