The 798 Art Zone, Beijing
The 798 Art Zone started out as a industrial complex of electronic factories, build with the aid of the Soviet Union and East Germany. When the artists moved in it developed into one the worlds best cultural districts. With the entire zone walkable, you can find cotemporary art galleries on virtually every corner, along with great places to eat and drink. It is the perfect wandering day or half day once you have taken in Beijing’s big sights. Here is how to spend your time…
Street Sculptors
The art of 798 isn’t confined to the old factory walls of its galleries – it’s on the side of buildings, on pavements, and down seemingly abandoned alley ways. The zone is unique from the other cultural spaces I’ve seen in sheer volume of the street sculptors dotted throughout the district. Recommend starting your visit by grabbing a coffee and meandering around the zones streets to see as many as you can.
Street Art
Aside from the sculptors, there are also numerous street art pieces to be found – ranging from the small to building size murals.
The Galleries
It’s hard to make a short list of the galleries to see in 798 – the zone is stuffed with them, small and large! Part of the greatness of the zone is the ability to wander around unplanned and pop into the many free-of-charge smaller galleries, while also seeing the unique shops.
There are of course many bigger galleries to see. The featured image is the 798 Space – set in an old factory, with the large space and generous natural light typical of 798’s architecture. This walls are still marked by the the message wishing long life to Chairman Mao next to its exhibits.
At the heart of the 798 is the Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art (the UCCA), housing a mix of local and international artists. They often hosts big ticket international artists (for a fee), so check ahead to see what is on. They also have an excellent and varied gallery shop, including smaller items which you fit in a backpack! Also make sure to see the he Hive Art Centre, with its range of beautiful pieces in its clean space.
Food and Drink
As the 798 is away from the centre of Beijing, so you will want to eat and drink while there. Start your day with a coffee at the stylish Voyage Coffee, or at the unique gallery come cafe, the High Place, with a tree growing through it. For lunch head to the Flatwhite Cafe with its great selection of food and coffee. Or try the British style Ace Cafe on Locomotive square, which serves a range of beers with view of the old train and the rows of motorcycles. Do not miss the micro-brewery Ram BrewPub, which has a fantastic selection of beers made to the German purity laws.
Getting There
The 789 is in the northeast of Beijing as you head towards the airport. As ever check the latest travel information and remember that you cannot access Google Maps in China, so be prepared! If you take Line 14 to Wangjing South Station, then you can reach the north-west corner of the 798 Zone in around 20 minutes of walking. Head east along Guangshun Street, turn left and walk along Wanhjing East Road, then make a right onto Wangjing Street (crossing the highway). Once past the highway you will reach Jiuxianqiao North Road, which runs along the top of the 798 district. Then explore!
What would you like to see the most? What’s your recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
Featured picture is from Wikimedia Commons.
