The 798 Art District is an area in the Chaoyang area of Beijing home to a thriving artist community. The area acts as a base for a large concentration of contemporary art galleries and is often compared with the districts of Greenwich or SoHo in New York.  The original 798 factory is a disused and converted electronics factory designed by East German architects in the early 1950′s.  During its redesign, which commenced in 2002, artists captured the past, present and future of the new China and created a social space which Beijingers and visitors to the city can enjoy for years to come.

There is always something going on at the 798 Art District and the venue hosts contemporary art exhibitions, multimedia presentations, experimental dramas and cultural evenings. While experiencing the 798 Art District check out Timezone 8, a bookstore offering a competitive range of art and design books. Wander through Long March Space and admire its current installations or check out the latest in photographic genius at the 798 photo gallery. There are plenty of bars and restaurants on site to grab a bite to eat or a quick drink between exhibitions. Admission to the 798 Art District is free and galleries are open from 10am until 6pm. To get there by public transport jump on bus number 403 or 909, alternatively grab a taxi. Note that some galleries are closed on Mondays.

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