Beijing’s 798 Art Zone (798 艺术区 , say qī jiǔ bā yìshù qū), also known as the Dashanzi Art District, is a collection of former military factories transformed into trendy creative spaces. It’s a fantastic place to explore, and it was one of our favourite spots in Beijing, away from the traditional tourist attractions.
The 798 Art District is a unique cultural destination that should be on every traveller’s Beijing list. This former factory complex turned art district is now home to some of the most innovative and creative art spaces in the world.
But the importance of the 798 Art District extends beyond just its artistic value; it also serves as a symbol of China’s rapid modernization and transformation into a global cultural powerhouse. As you explore the district’s galleries, shops, and cafes, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of China’s history and contemporary cultural landscape.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking to experience the unique spirit of Beijing, a visit to the 798 Art District is a memorable journey into the heart of creativity and innovation.
In this photo blog of the 798 Art District, we’ll share what we saw and experienced in the creative hub of Beijing. It is, no doubt, one of the coolest places in Beijing for culture lovers (and normal people too).
With hundreds of exhibition spaces, studios, street art, craft beer, speciality coffees, al fresco brunches and hip vibes galore, this is an exciting peek into the psyche of modern China.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).
798 Art Zone Practicalities
Opening hours: The opening hours of galleries at the 798 Art Zone may vary depending on the specific gallery. Generally, they are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, including weekends and public holidays.
The cafes, restaurants and bars are open till late.
How to get there: To reach the 798 Art District by metro, you can take Line 14 and get off at the Wangjing South Station (望京南地铁站). Take Exit B. From the station, it’s still a 30-minute walk to 798 Art Zone, so better take a taxi or a shared bike.
If getting a taxi who might not speak English, show this in Chinese (798 艺术区 ), or try to say qī jiǔ bā yìshù qū.
How long to spend there: Bauhaus buffs, art fanatics and those with bohemian kinks can easily spend the entire day here and not get bored. We spent about 4 hours there, not including time for lunch.
Still planning your Beijing trip? We loved staying at the Beijing Houhai Gulou courtyard MANXIN Hotel.
History of the 798 Art Zone
Beijing 798 Art Zone started under the Socialist Unification Plan, a cooperative effort between the Soviet Union and the newly formed People’s Republic of China.
But the Russians were too busy doing other things at that time, so they suggested that the Chinese seek help from East Germany. Then-premier Zhou Enlai sent a delegation of scientists on a field trip to East Germany in 1951.
Later another group was sent to East Berlin to develop the design plans for what was to be the largest East German project in China, informally called Project #157.
The Germans created the architectural plans and opted for Bauhaus design. True to Bauhaus principles, the plans were based on form following function and called for spacious indoor areas that allowed maximum natural light into the workplace.
Despite Beijing’s location in the northern hemisphere, all windows faced north to ensure that the light from this direction would cast the fewest shadows.
By 1957, the factories were up and running, producing electronics and military equipment and employing almost 20,000 workers. They quickly became one of the finest factories in China, providing the best benefits and working conditions to their workforce.
During the reforms under Deng Xiaoping in the 80s, the factories gradually declined, and eventually, the workers were laid off, and production ceased.
So What to Do With All That Lovely Bauhaus Buildings & Their Stunning Natural Light?
As China’s economy shifted towards a more service-based model, the buildings in the 798 Art Zone fell into disrepair and were largely abandoned.
In the early 2000s, artists and entrepreneurs saw the potential of the area’s unique industrial architecture and began renting out the abandoned factory spaces as studios and exhibition spaces.
With cheap rent, spacious industrial Bauhaus architecture, excellent natural light and a kickass backstory – it had urban renewal written all over it. And it turned out great.
These early pioneers helped to establish the 798 Art Zone as a hub for contemporary art and culture in Beijing, attracting a mix of local and international artists, designers, and creatives. In no time, the area began to develop a reputation as a bohemian enclave and one of the hippest spots in Beijing.
As the area gained popularity, it also began to attract investment from private developers and the Chinese government, and it was renamed to 798 Art Zone.
Since then, the 798 Art Zone has become one of China’s coolest and most important contemporary art and cultural districts, hosting exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.
Seek Out the Gao Brothers
An unexpected highlight of our visit was the Gao Brothers’ Studio.
While walking around, a rusty, life-sized, metal sculpture of Christ with yellow spray-painted nipples caught my eye. Intrigued, we decided to investigate.
A grungy, graffiti-covered stairwell took us one floor up to a heavy door we pushed open. Without realising it, we stepped right into a studio where another group of super realistic metal sculptures greeted us.
The studio resembled a hybrid between living space and gallery, so we invited ourselves in. While we were viewing the group of iron men, entitled The Parable of the Blind, a shirtless middle-aged man entered from another door and came over to say hi in Chinese.
He then went to sit on his couch nonchalantly and let us do our thing while he did whatever he did. Several works looked strangely familiar in his living room, including a larger shiny silver copy of Christ that we saw outside.
After looking around, we said our goodbyes, telling him his art was spectacular and immensely thought-provoking.
Only when I looked at our photos of 798 Art Zone later did I see the name Gao Brothers Studio. A quick Google search revealed the topless man we spoke to as one of the controversial and world-famous Gao Brothers!
The Christ statue that first caught my eye is part of the controversial and banned (in China) work called The Execution of Christ. The work depicts Christ being shot by a firing squad of men who all look like Chairman Mao.
Exploring the 798 Art Zone
The best way to enjoy Beijing’s Art District is to stroll around and bask in all that bohemian/industrial/avant-garde/chic atmosphere and make your own discoveries. Our stroll took us underneath chimney stacks and between brick warehouses with colourful murals and graffiti. Every now and then, something would grab our attention and pull us in another direction.
Equally fascinating was exploring the art. The factories and warehouses that once housed machinery and workers are now home to art galleries showcasing contemporary Chinese art. Notice the Maoist slogans left behind in huge red characters from the original factory.
Those who think China is only good at copying things must please come and visit the Art District in Beijing. A stroll around 798 will reeducate them and open their minds to the innovation and creativity coming from China.
Below are photos of 798 Art Zone to show what we saw.
Korean soju (alcohol) bottle characters
Is There Anything to Eat & Drink?
A creative space needs strong coffee, even stronger drinks, fragrant tea and something to eat while hanging out. Several cafes offer a unique atmosphere and a range of food and drink options.
You’ll find anything from pour-over coffee, craft beer, juice and tea to pasta, salads, sandwiches and spicy Sichuan food. Of course, they will also have quirky interiors, mismatched furniture, minimalist or eclectic interiors or outdoor seating.
Head over to 798’s famous craft beer brewery, Great Leap Brewing #6, for something cold with a kick.
They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal brews. In addition to beer, they also offer food and snacks, which can be enjoyed in their spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The brewery is located in Building 6 of the 798 Art Zone and is open daily from noon until late in the evening.
Jin read about Tanch Studio, a Taiwanese Restaurant, in her search for restaurants near 798, so we HAD to go there for an early lunch before we visted 798..
Located across the street from the main entrance, Tanch Studio is hidden behind a green wall of vines, with no signage outside. Luckily we got a DiDi, so the GPS took us straight there.
Tanch Studio is small and intimate, and the food was fantastic. Besides the dynamite food, they also do damn good milk tea.
After lunch, we walked across the street to explore the 798 Art Zone.
Enjoy your time at 798 Art Zone. If you have any questions about visiting Beijing or its art district, ask away in the comments below and we’ll try our best to help ✌️