To say that I adore the place is an understatement. I would love to live there and soak myself (and my days) in art and live among those who breathe it. The entire complex is a beautiful mix of old and new. There's art everywhere. And the next time I visit, I will walk slower, check out every gallery, and take more pictures.

798 Art District is the site of state-owned factories including Factory 798, which originally produced electronics. In 2002, artists and cultural organizations began to divide, rent out, and re-make the factory spaces, gradually developing them into galleries, art centers, artists' studios, design companies, restaurants, and bars. (from www.798district.com)

Bringing together contemporary art, architecture, and culture with a historically interesting location and an urban lifestyle, "798" has evolved into a cultural concept, of interest to experts and normal folk alike, influential on our concepts of both urban culture and living space. (from www.798district.com)

798 stands for much more than a three digit number: in Beijing these numbers symbolize the country's cutting edge art movement led by the Chinese vanguard, unchained artistic personalities with alternative life goals. The largest, most influential art district in China - the 798 - hosts world-class international and Chinese exhibitions in the midst of former weapons factories. (from www.798district.com)

There are a lot of galleries, boutiques, and cafes in the area. And you wouldn't want to miss anything. They open at 10 am and closes at 6pm. The complex is not well-lit at night. So go early. Entrance is FREE!
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY
One day visit:
Capital Museum
National Theatre
City Planning Exhibition Hall
798 Art Zone
HOW TO GO TO 798 ART DISTRICT
By Subway
Take subway line 10 to Sanyuanqiao. Get out to Exit C. Walk about 100 meters and look for Bus 401. Get off at Gashanzi Lukou Nan (Dashanzi Crossing South).
By BusWe were on our way to the airport when we dropped by 798, we didn't have enough time to check everything. But here's sharing some photos I took.
Take bus 401, 402, 405, 445, 909, 946, 955, 973, 988, or 991 to Dashanzi Lukou Nan or Wangyefen Station.












And that's me and my friend Chris, being silly in 798. :)
. . . . .
BUDGET
(six days in Beijing):
Hotel: Days Inn Tiananmen Square with breakfast
Tour Guide + Transpo + Lunch
Airfare: Cebu Pacific
Pocket Money
more or less $1,200/person
. . . . .
Our tour guide Jamie Wang speaks english
and is knowledgeable about China's history and tourist spots.
He was very helpful and nice and honest.
If you plan to visit Beijing and would need a guide,
email him at jamiewglory@hotmail.com
. . . . .
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Beijing | The Olympic Venue
Beijing | Panjiayuan Antique Market
Beijing | Beihai Park
Beijing | Qiangan Hutong Tour
Beijing | The Lama Temple
Beijing | An Acrobatic Show
Beijing | The Great Wall

Lovely post. Dami postcard pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leah! :)
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