Hopefully, the majority of those living in Beijing will have been fortunate enough not to fall ill often here, but when you do, you'll be aware of the choices in dealing with your problem: Western medication or the more traditional Chinese medicine and methods.

The option confronts you in the pharmacy, where you have a choice between the two varieties. Many Beijingers will suggest paracetamol- or ibuprofen-based products when asked what to take for a headache, but the answers may become significantly more varied when one asks about other ailments because traditional medicine is often preferred.

Alternatives also offer themselves when it comes to visiting doctors in the hospital or clinic, as some will be pure Chinese traditional medicine, others a mixture and even some Western-style clinics too.