The 798 Art Zone, formerly the site of the state-owned 798 Factory and other electronic industries, has become a new landmark of urban culture in Beijing. Established in 1950 with Soviet aid, some of the factory buildings feature cast-in-place concrete arch structures, representing a rare example of Bauhaus style architecture in Asia. In 2002, a large number of artists began moving into the area, converting some of the idle factory spaces into art studios. Since then, more and more galleries, art centers, artist studios, design firms, trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars have gathered here.
Today, the 798 Art Zone has garnered widespread attention from both domestic and international media, becoming a new cultural landmark in Beijing. The art zone can be roughly divided into six areas, with the D and E districts along 798 Road being the most concentrated in cultural institutions. The 798 Art Festival is held here every September. Notable spots include Beijing Seasons Gallery, White Mameido Art Center, and Xiaokao Theater.
- Photography: The area is ideal for photography, especially during the day. The Living 3D Museum is particularly recommended, where each painting creates an incredible 3D effect when viewed up close.
- Exploration: Various galleries, exhibition halls, and art centers are housed within these repurposed factory buildings. Walking along the streets to visit them is a great way to explore. There are also many art shops selling unique small art pieces, such as colorful ceramics and fabric arts, which you can choose based on personal preference.
Travel Information about 798 Art Zone
Admission and Opening Hours
- Admission: Free entry; some individual galleries may charge separately.
- Opening Hours: The park is open all day. Galleries and exhibition halls generally operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with most galleries and exhibition halls closed on Mondays.
Getting There
- Location: Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
- Subway: Take Line 14 and get off at Wangjing South Station, then walk to the art zone.
Attraction Rating
- Culture: ★★★★★
- Feature: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of 798 Zone
Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA)
The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) is located in the heart of Beijing’s 798 Art Zone and was founded in 2007 by Belgian collectors, the Ullens couple. It is the most renowned art center in 798, known for its high-quality exhibitions and diverse range of art projects, attracting numerous artists and art enthusiasts each year.
The art center is housed in a former industrial factory built in the 1950s. The red brick walls are prominently marked with the large “UCCA” letters, making it easily recognizable from afar. The building also features a distinctive large chimney and a photo wall that adds to its unique character.
UCCA includes several exhibition spaces: a large gallery, a small gallery, a long corridor, and various passageways. It also hosts multifunctional areas such as a lounge, theater, conference hall, grand salon, and a salon. Additionally, UCCA has a dedicated creative exploration area for children, which offers art courses and creative workshops aimed at helping children engage with and learn about art, nurturing their artistic talents.
Hive Theater
The Hive Theater was specially renovated by Meng Jinghui for the play Rhino in Love, serving as a regular performance venue for this production. The name “Hive” not only reflects the honeycomb patterns present in every detail of the theater’s design but also symbolizes the tireless efforts of individuals dedicated to their theatrical dreams, akin to bees working diligently.
In addition to its regular theater performances, the Hive Theater hosts a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, rock concerts, drama salons, drama master classes, and contemporary poetry readings.
Asia Art Center
Founded in 1982, Asia Art Center is a high-quality professional gallery. In 2007, it officially established its Beijing branch in the 798 Art Zone, making it a prominent venue in Beijing’s art scene.
The Beijing gallery covers approximately 1,000 square meters and is located in a Bauhaus-style factory building from the late 1950s. The renovation has created a unique atmosphere that blends contemporary art with the building’s historical character. Since its inception in Beijing, the gallery has hosted numerous successful exhibitions. If you visit the 798 Art Zone and happen to be at the Asia Art Center, you’ll be immersed in outstanding exhibitions and enriched by its artistic environment.
Pace Beijing
Pace Beijing, located in the heart of the 798 Art Zone, spans over 2,500 square meters, making it one of the largest exhibition spaces in the area.
The gallery occupies a large, saw-toothed Bauhaus-style factory building from the 1960s, which has been transformed by renowned architect Richard Gluckman. The renovation preserves the original architectural form while presenting a modern style. The inaugural exhibition in 2008, titled “Encounter,” showcased portraits by top artists from both East and West, including Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, Chuck Close, Cindy Sherman, Fang Lijun, Li Songsong, Liu Wei, Ma Luoming, and Qi Zhilong. This successful exhibition laid a strong foundation for the art center. Pace Beijing frequently hosts a range of outstanding art exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to experience art from around the world.
Locomotive Square
751 was built on the site of the Beijing East Electronic Power Group Co., Ltd. (formerly the 751 Factory), which ceased production. Today, this area is known as the Beijing Fashion Design Plaza, also referred to as the 751 Art District.
The 751 Art District is part of the 798 Art Zone, with Locomotive Square being one of its prominent features. It was originally manufactured by the Tangshan Locomotive Factory in the early 1970s. To honor the achievements of this old locomotive and the sentiment of the generations of 751 workers, it has been renamed “Shangyou (SY) 0751.” The “Locomotive Warm Experience Zone” now not only showcases the district’s industrial heritage and recreational activities but also serves as a popular location for fashion designers and bridal photography.
Power Square
Similar to Locomotive Square, Power Square is also part of the 751 Art District. It features rows of towering cracking furnaces and rusted iron towers, with an intricate network of pipes, massive reaction tanks, and tall chimneys. Under the illumination of numerous lights, these industrial elements become vividly colorful. The interplay of light and shadow, and the blend of the surreal and the real, create the unique ambiance of 751 D·PARK Power Square. This area serves as a platform for cultural exchange and is an important base for hosting exhibitions, displays, performances, and various cultural and creative activities.
Visitor Guide for 798 Art Zone
Activities
The 798 Art District is full of interesting places to explore, some of which are tucked away in less obvious spots. If you have the time, wandering around and discovering these hidden gems will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
- Ceramics Street: Ceramics Street in 798 is relatively quiet and less frequented by tourists. Streets two and three in the ceramics area feature many small galleries. Many of the alleys in these streets hold unexpected surprises, so be sure not to miss them.
- Power Square: Near the Power Square in the 751 Art District, you’ll find two large “circular tanks” known as the 79 Tank and the 97 Tank. The 79 Tank has been transformed into a massive exhibition hall that frequently hosts various events and has a sci-fi vibe.
- Xiao Ke Theater: Across from the Locomotive Square, the Xiao Ke Theater offers a new type of theatrical experience. It focuses on producing high-quality performances that transform the traditional audience-actor dynamic, creating a highly sensory experience where viewers become participants, and actors become part of the audience. If you have the chance, it’s worth experiencing this immersive performance.
Accommodation
The area around Jiuxianqiao Road, where the 798 Art District is located, offers a variety of hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Here are some recommended options:
- Beijing Jiuxian Apartment (No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road): A convenient option for those visiting the 798 Art District.
- Star City Liangma International Apartment (No. 10 Jiuxianqiao Road): Offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to local attractions.
- Qin’s Hotel (No. 6 Caizhihong Road, Dashanzi): A good choice for a more budget-friendly stay with modern amenities.
Dining
The area around the 798 Art District has limited dining options, but there are some good spots:
- West Gate Supermarket: Inside the supermarket, you’ll find Xiabu Xiabu Hotpot, offering a casual dining experience. Opposite, there are several small restaurants serving items like soup dumplings.
- South of West Gate: Walking south from the West Gate, you’ll find additional restaurants.
Within the 798 Art District, there are several high-quality dining establishments:
- Huanxi Youyu (欢喜有鱼): A Thai restaurant known for its authentic Tom Yum Goong soup. The chef reportedly spent over a decade in Thailand mastering the cuisine.
- Najia Xiaoguan (那家小馆) at the North Gate: Specializes in imperial court cuisine, with a traditional courtyard-style exterior.
- Xiaowan Canting (小万食堂): A renowned Sichuan restaurant famous for its sour fish, offering a spacious dining area with well-seasoned dishes.
- Zen Dou Vegetarian (禅豆素食): Known for its elegant environment and refined vegetarian dishes with a slightly sweet flavor. The location can be tricky to find, so it’s best to use navigation.