798 Art District

The 798 Art District is one of Beijing's most fascinating cultural destinations, located in the Dashanzi area of Chaoyang District. This sprawling 230,000 square meter complex was originally a state-owned military factory built in the 1950s with East German assistance. After the factories closed in the 1990s, artists began moving into the abandoned Bauhaus-style industrial spaces, attracted by the high ceilings, natural light, and affordable rents. Today, 798 has evolved into a world-renowned contemporary art district featuring over 200 galleries, artist studios, design companies, fashion boutiques, and creative spaces. The district perfectly blends industrial heritage with cutting-edge contemporary art, creating a unique atmosphere where visitors can explore everything from avant-garde installations to traditional Chinese art reinterpreted in modern contexts. The architecture itself is a highlight, with preserved factory buildings featuring distinctive sawtooth roofs and socialist-era slogans still visible on some walls.