Beijing’s 798 Art District is a sprawling neighbourhood of galleries, studios, cafés and design shops set among former factories in northeastern Dashanzi. Sawtooth roofs, red-brick walls and old industrial piping give the complex its distinctive character, while murals and sculptures fill the lanes between buildings.
Built in the 1950s with East German assistance, the factory complex once produced electronics for military use. Artists and designers began moving into its large, affordable spaces around the turn of the millennium, helping transform 798 into a centre of Chinese contemporary art. The district is more commercial than it was in its early days, but its mix of industrial architecture and changing exhibitions remains compelling.
Visit for a cross-section of Beijing’s art scene, from established institutions such as UCCA Center for Contemporary Art to smaller galleries and independent spaces. Exhibitions change regularly, so there is usually something new to see alongside the permanent industrial backdrop.
Allow a few hours and wear comfortable shoes: the district is best explored on foot. Gallery hours and admission fees vary, and some spaces close on Mondays, so check ahead for exhibitions you particularly want to see. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.