798 Art District
2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, Northern China, 100102
The Communist-era factories and warehouses of northwest Beijing’s 798 Art Zone have all been converted into edgy galleries, studios, boutique shops, and cafes whose modern and sometimes whimsical contents sit in stark contrast to the austere Bauhaus architecture. Most of Beijing’s best contemporary galleries are housed here.
The Basics
Give yourself at least half a day to explore the 798 Art Zone (though you could easily spend a full day or more). Start with the eclectic collection of sculptures, photographs and paintings at the Long March Space, one of the best collections in the area. Other notable galleries include the Chinese Contemporary with its politically minded collection, 798 Photo Gallery and 798 Space, one of the largest galleries in the area. For a better understanding of the art and the history of the complex, join a guided tour of the 798 Art Zone, which often includes lunch at a local Chinese cafe. Art-centric tours of the Chinese capital almost always include the 798 Art Zone, as well as the Capital Museum, Red Gate Gallery, or Guanfu Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The range of quirky street art and sculpture throughout the site make this an excellent excursion for families.
- Don’t forget your camera, as the colorful street art and industrial architecture make for fantastic photo ops.
- Wear comfortable shoes; it can take more than 20 minutes to walk from one side of the zone to the other.
- The district itself does not charge admission, but some galleries and exhibition halls do.
How to Get There
The best way to reach the 798 Art Zone is to take Subway Line 14 to Wangjing Nan Station and leave through Exit B1. From there, take bus 403 to Dashanzi Lukou Station or walk for 20 minutes to the site. Taxis can drop you off outside the zone but are not permitted inside.
When to Get There
The 798 Art District is open daily throughout the year, though individual businesses maintain their own hours; many are closed on Mondays. If possible, visit during the 798 Art Festival in spring or the 798 Creative Art Festival in fall. The area is also lively during Beijing Design Week and the Beijing Queer Film Festival.
Beijing for Art Lovers
While 798 Art Zone ranks among the best places in Beijing to see contemporary art, it’s not the only place for art lovers in the city. Those with an interest in contemporary and modern art should visit the Red Brick Contemporary Art Museum or the Caochangdi Art District in northern Beijing. The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) and National Museum of China can’t be beat for their collections of traditional Chinese art.
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