The 798 Art District (798艺术区) in Beijing is a vibrant cultural and creative hub. Originally part of a major industrial project built with Soviet aid and East German design, the 718 Joint Factory was established in 1952, covering an area of 1.1 million square meters. In April 1964, it was split into several factories, including Factory 798. Starting in 2002, due to low rents, numerous artist studios and contemporary art institutions began to gather in 798, gradually forming an artistic community.
Visitors to 798 Art District can explore a wide range of art, from traditional Chinese paintings to avant-garde installations and experimental performances. In addition to the galleries, the district is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
798 Art District has become one of Beijing’s most popular cultural destinations, attracting art enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike. It is a testament to the power of creativity and community, transforming a once-blighted industrial area into a thriving cultural center that showcases the best of contemporary art and design.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of 798 Art District
- Highlights of 798 Art District
- Vlog about 798 Art District
- Recommended Itinerary
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Opening Hours | The district is accessible 24 hours a day, but most museums and galleries operate from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm. |
| Ticket Price | The district is free. But museums and galleries often charge an entry fee ranging from 10 to 50 RMB. |
| Telephone Number | 0086-010-59789114 |
Location and Transportation
798 Art District is a contemporary art hub located in the northeastern part of Beijing, China. It is situated in the Chaoyang District, near the Jiuxianqiao Road and the Fourth Ring Road, and covers an area of about 230,000 square meters.
Bus:
- Take bus No. 401, 405, 445, 988, or 991, get off at Dashanzi Lukounan Stop, and the 798 Art District will be to your east.
- Take bus No. 403, 418, 593, 851, or 854, get off at Dashanzi Lukoudong Stop, and the 798 Art District will be to you south.
Subway:
- The nearest subway station to 798 Art District is Wangjingnan (望京南), but after you exit from the station, you still need to walk about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) to the east to reach the area.
Self-drive:
- There are several parking lots in 798 Art District, so it will be pretty convenient if you drive yourself.
History of 798 Art District
The history of 798 Art District dates back to the 1950s, when the Chinese government collaborated with the East German government to construct a complex of factories in the Dashanzi area of Beijing. The factories were designed to aid China’s industrialization, and the complex was known as the 718th Factory.
After the factory’s closure in the 1990s, many artists and cultural organizations began to move into the abandoned buildings. The area became a hub for contemporary art, with artists converting the factories into studios, galleries, and exhibition spaces.
The name “798” comes from the factory’s original designation as the Joint Factory 798. The designation was later changed to the Beijing Seven-Star Electronics Company, but the area retained the name “798” as a nod to its industrial past.
In 2001, the 798 Art District hosted the first Beijing International Art Biennale, which attracted artists and visitors from around the world. This event helped to establish the district’s reputation as a premier destination for contemporary art in China.
As the district grew in popularity, the government began to take notice. In 2004, the government began to regulate the district’s activities, leading to the closure of some galleries and studios. However, many of the district’s cultural organizations and businesses worked to negotiate with the government to preserve the area’s artistic character.
Highlights of 798 Art District
Art Galleries
The 798 Art District is home to a variety of art galleries showcasing contemporary art from both local and international artists. Some of the most well-known galleries in the district include the Pace Gallery, White Space Beijing, and Long March Space. These galleries exhibit a diverse range of art, from paintings and sculptures to installations and multimedia works, and feature both emerging and established artists. Many of the galleries have their own unique style and focus, providing visitors with a wide range of artistic experiences.
Public Art Installations
The 798 Art District is famous for its large-scale public art installations, both inside and outside of the galleries. These installations are often interactive, thought-provoking, and visually stunning. Some notable installations include the towering red sculpture “Angel” by Zhang Xiaogang, the “Crystal Palace” installation by Huang Rui, and the “Lunar Reflections” light installation by Wang Yuyang. These public art installations are an integral part of the district’s artistic and cultural character, providing visitors with an immersive experience of contemporary art in a public setting.
Museums
The 798 Art District is home to several museums that showcase contemporary art from both local and international artists. The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art is one of the most well-known museums in the district, featuring exhibitions from some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Other notable museums include the Beijing Inside-Out Art Museum, which showcases emerging Chinese artists, and the 798 Photo Gallery, which features a diverse range of photography exhibitions.
Design Shops
The 798 Art District houses a variety of design shops that showcase fashion, home decor, and other unique designs. Visitors can browse and purchase a range of items, from clothing and jewelry to furniture and home goods. Some notable design shops in the district include the China Design Museum, which features innovative designs from both Chinese and international designers, and the Red Gate Gallery Shop, which sells a variety of unique and handcrafted items.
Street Performances
The 798 Art District is known for its lively street performances, including live music, dance performances, and theatrical shows. These performances can be found throughout the district and provide visitors with a unique and immersive cultural experience. The district’s outdoor spaces and public areas provide the perfect backdrop for these performances, and visitors can often catch impromptu shows while exploring the area. Some notable performance venues in the district include the 798 Art Factory and the 798 Square. Whether it’s a local musician strumming a guitar or a troupe of dancers putting on a show, the street performances in the 798 Art District add to the vibrant and creative atmosphere of the area.
Cultural Festivals
The 798 Art District hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with a chance to experience the district’s creativity and cultural vibrancy. The Beijing Design Week is one of the most popular festivals in the district, featuring exhibitions, talks, and workshops showcasing innovative design from both Chinese and international designers. The Beijing International Art Biennale is another popular festival, featuring exhibitions from some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Other notable festivals in the district include the Beijing Independent Film Festival and the 798 Photo Festival.
Vlog about 798 Art District
Recommended Itinerary
Start your day early, and head to the district around 10 AM to beat the crowds.
Begin your tour at the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, one of the most popular art institutions in the district. Here, you’ll find a range of contemporary art exhibitions and installations, as well as a bookstore and cafe.
Next, explore the galleries and art spaces located in the district. Some popular ones to check out include the Long March Space, Faurschou Foundation, and Pace Gallery.
Take a break from the art and grab some lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the district. The Baochao Hutong area nearby has some great options for local cuisine.
After lunch, continue your art tour and visit more galleries, shops, and studios. You can also visit the 798 Art Zone Artistic Creative Market to browse and purchase locally-made crafts, art, and souvenirs.
If you’re interested in architecture, make sure to admire the unique Bauhaus-style buildings that house the galleries and studios in the district.
Wrap up your day with a drink or dinner at one of the district’s many bars and restaurants. The Vineyard Cafe and Bar is a popular choice with great views of the district.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Luggage Storage: If you’re carrying bags or luggage, there’s a luggage storage service available. The fee is 20 yuan per piece per day for luggage and 10 yuan per piece per day for backpacks. The storage location is approximately 190 meters inside the southwest gate of Beijing 798 Art Center.
Plan Your Time: 798 Art District is quite large, but you can explore it in a few hours if you’re not planning to spend a lot of time at each gallery or exhibition. A half-day should be sufficient to get a good overview of the area.
Admission: While entry to Beijing 798 Art District itself is free, visiting galleries and exhibitions may require purchasing tickets. Ticket prices typically range from 20 yuan to 100 yuan or more, depending on the specific exhibition. Keep in mind that some exhibitions may be closed on Mondays.
Wear comfortable shoes: The district is mostly pedestrian-friendly, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your visit.