Venue for Beijing's modern art elite community

Previously a military factory area, the 798 Art District is an underground avant-garde art community where sculptures, galleries, art installations and small shops are scattered around the rugged factory buildings.

This original space has been victim to constant threats of demolition over the past decade, as the art presented here often has political and satirical messages. Since 2007 the area is under protection and now hosts over 100 galleries showcasing the paintings, photographs and other works of Beijing's modern art elite. Many artists have their workshops as well as their galleries here and allow visitors to watch them work.

Relax in one of the charming cafés and admire the smoke erupting from the factory chimneys, then pick up a unique art book at one of the specialist stores and enjoy the dreamlike state of mind that 798 puts you in.