Discover a developing arts scene in the Beijing Arts District, epitomised by a converted warehouse.
798 Space is a flagship of modern Beijing’s burgeoning arts district, where up-and-coming artists and musicians are converting disused factories into ateliers and exhibition spaces. Housed in a former electronics plant, 798 is a cultural centre dedicated to art, literature and film.The original factory was built in the 1950s by workers from East Germany and bears the hallmarks of utilitarian Bauhaus design. 798 Space was converted into a public space in 2002 but still bears the marks of its previous incarnation. If you look carefully at the walls you’ll notice Maoist slogans stamped on the brickwork in red. Large windows flood the interior with sunbeams, adding a feeling of lightness to the already spacious open-plan layout.Covering more than 1,000 square metres of floor, the lofty ceilings and walls with exposed brickwork house galleries, studios and even a bar which makes full use of the old machinery in its interior decor. Enjoy a slower pace as you make your way through the ever-changing exhibitions, taking in everything from traditional fine art to multimedia installations.The surrounding Arts District is still somewhat of a hidden gem, so it is quieter and more relaxed than the centre of Beijing. Hunt for a unique gift in the eclectic range of shops selling bespoke art and crafts, before stopping for a bite to eat. The clustered restaurants and cafés offer everything from modernist cuisine to more traditional fare. In the evenings you’ll hear the place come alive as music and laughter from the local bars spills out onto the street.Galleries tend not to open on Mondays, so pick any other day of the week for your visit to avoid finding the area closed up. 798 Space is about 10 kilometres northeast of Tiananmen Square so you are probably best hopping in a taxi, although buses also service the area.
