The 798 Art Zone is Beijing's best-known contemporary art district, a collection of former military electronics factories in Dashanzi, in the northeast of the city, that artists began to occupy in the early 2000s. The long saw-tooth roofs, red slogans and rusting pipes of the original Bauhaus-influenced factory architecture now frame galleries, design shops, studios, bookstores and cafes. It is a very different face of Beijing from the imperial sights, and a good place to see how the city thinks about the present. A guided walking tour is a useful way in, because the zone is a maze of lanes and courtyards, and a local guide can point you to the interesting exhibitions and explain the story of how a Cold War industrial site became an arts quarter. Some tours include lunch, which suits a relaxed half day.
How to visit
798 is in Chaoyang district, a short taxi ride or a metro and walk from the centre. Book a guided tour for the date you want and confirm the meeting point. Many galleries are free to enter and a few charge for special exhibitions. Opening hours differ between galleries, and many close on Mondays, so choose another day of the week if you can.
What to expect
A leisurely walk of a few hours through the main streets and side courtyards, stopping at galleries, sculpture and street art, and often at a cafe or restaurant. The exhibitions change often, so what you see depends on the season. Alongside the serious galleries you will find shops selling prints, ceramics and design objects, which are good for gifts that are not the usual souvenirs. The mood is relaxed and photogenic, and it is easy to wander on your own afterwards.
Making the most of it
Pair the visit with the nearby Olympic Park or a market stop on a day that avoids the imperial core, and wear comfortable shoes because the zone is bigger than it looks. Late morning is a good time to start, so galleries are open and you can finish with lunch. If you only want to browse a few galleries, a guide helps you skip the rest. Photography is allowed outdoors, but check the rules inside each gallery.
Planning notes
798 works best when you let yourself wander. The big-name galleries are interesting, but so are the side lanes where smaller studios, sculpture courtyards and ceramics shops sit. Look up as well as ahead, since many of the old factory buildings have exposed trusses, painted slogans and roof lines that are part of the attraction.
Exhibitions change on a rolling basis, so no two visits are alike, and a guide can steer you towards what is on during your stay. Cafes and restaurants are plentiful, and the area has a relaxed weekend feel, so go on a weekday if you prefer fewer crowds.
Combine it with a stroll to nearby 718 or the Caochangdi arts village if you want to see more of Beijing's contemporary scene, and bring a camera for the street art, which includes large murals and playful sculptures. Many visitors also like to end the day with a coffee in one of the converted workshops, watching the light change on the brick walls, and to carry home a print or a ceramic piece from one of the small shops.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through the 798 galleries, studios and street art, with an optional lunch.
Best time
Tuesday to Sunday, late morning, when most galleries are open.
How long
About four hours with a guide.
Tips
Avoid Mondays when many galleries close, wear comfortable shoes and leave time to browse the shops.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a modern, creative side of Beijing after the palaces.
- Families
- Fine for older children who enjoy art and street murals, less so for younger ones.
- Couples
- A relaxed afternoon of galleries and a long lunch.
- Pair with
- The Olympic Park or a market stop on the same day.
- Time needed
- Four hours, plus travel from the centre.
Good questions
What is the 798 Art Zone?+
It is a district of converted factory buildings in northeast Beijing that now houses contemporary galleries, studios, shops and cafes.
Is it free to enter?+
The zone itself is open to walk around and many galleries are free, though some special exhibitions charge an entry fee.
Which day is best?+
Tuesday to Sunday. Many galleries close on Mondays.
Do I need a guide?+
No, but the layout is confusing and a guide helps you find the best exhibitions and explains the history of the site.
How do I get there?+
By taxi or ride-hail from the centre, or by metro and a short walk. A guided tour will give you the meeting point.
