The roads in Beijing usually run north and south, or east and
west. If you have a map of the city, and if you can orientate
yourself - whether north, south, east or west - your problems are
almost solved. In addition, there are electronic and sketch maps at
some major junctions and roads. If you're trying to look for
someone's residence and you don't have all the information - like
complete address or even the person's full name - it's best to get
some help from the local police station. Having said that, people
in Beijing are very friendly. Generally speaking, asking for
directions from someone on the street should get you to where you
need to go.