798 Space

798 Space is the contemporary heart of the Chinese capital's artistic scene. This former factory covers 1,000 square metres and is home to an array of modern galleries and other installation spaces, alongside an expansive bookshop and chic bar where you can relax after perusing the artworks on display.

This part of the city was originally built for the manufacture of munitions during the 1950s with the help of East German Communist comrades, and this is very clearly in evidence in the building's planning. Angular design and large open spaces are the order of the day, with inspirational quotes from the former great leader adorning the walls to this day – many now refer to this style as “Mao kitsch”.

At the beginning of the new millennium, a number of enormous art spaces were set up in the area. These became a magnet for China’s young avant-garde and led to the blossoming of this part of the city as a cultural quarter.

The many rooms of 798 Space host a range of different types of art a vast array of installations exist alongside cutting-edge painting and high-tech displays within a dynamic and ever-changing creative environment.

When you’ve enjoyed all that the galleries have to offer, browse the excellent bookshop or sit back and enjoy a drink amid the retro machinery in the Old Factory Bar. Alternatively, there are plenty of fashionable eateries and cafés to be found close by, as well as a number of statues and eye-catching street art to take in.

798 Space is found in the Dashanzi Art District of Beijing, which is 16 kilometres from the city centre, and can be easily reached by bus or taxi. Soak in the gentler speed of life in this part of the city it’s well worth taking the time to chill out and stroll around. Most of the galleries and spaces located here are open from Tuesday to Sunday.