Finally, it happened—I was able to visit China! For years, China has topped my list of dream destinations, and with its rich culture, incredible food, unique history, and vibrant art scene, it was always the place I most wanted to explore. This year, thanks to a special visa-free program for European citizens allowing up to 15 days of travel with just a passport, I finally made my dream a reality.
The moment I learned about this opportunity, I eagerly started planning my trip, excited to reconnect with Chinese friends and colleagues I had long wanted to meet in person. China did not disappoint! Although I only visited Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, the experience was so unforgettable that I’m already looking forward to returning soon.
To kick off a series of articles on contemporary art in China, let’s start with one of Beijing’s most fascinating destinations: the 798 Art District.
Beijing’s 798 Art District is a testament to the power of art to transform spaces and communities. What was once a cluster of abandoned factories is now a thriving cultural hub that attracts artists, collectors, and art lovers from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just curious to see what contemporary art in China has to offer, 798 Art District promises an unforgettable experience.
Make sure to carve out enough time to fully explore this expansive district—you never know what artistic treasures you might stumble upon!
The Birth of 798 Art District
Nestled in the northeastern part of Beijing, the 798 Art District is a vibrant cultural hub that has transformed from a former military factory complex into one of the most exciting contemporary art destinations in Asia. A fusion of industrial history and cutting-edge creativity, this area has become a must-visit for art lovers, offering a unique glimpse into China’s thriving contemporary art scene.
The 798 Art District, also known simply as 798 or Dashanzi, began its transformation in the early 2000s. The area was originally built in the 1950s as part of a joint project between China and East Germany to establish a state-owned factory complex. The Bauhaus-influenced architecture, with its spacious, light-filled workshops, provided the perfect setting for artists who started moving into the area as factories began to close in the late 20th century.
Today, the 798 Art District is a sprawling maze of galleries, studios, design firms, boutiques, and cafes, all housed in the preserved industrial architecture that gives the area its distinctive character.
Top Contemporary Art Museums and Art Centers in 798 Art District
Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA)
UCCA is arguably the centerpiece of Beijing’s 798 Art District. Founded by Belgian collectors Guy and Myriam Ullens, UCCA has become one of China’s leading contemporary art institutions and one of the leading institutions for contemporary art in Beijing. Right at the entrance of the district, you cannot miss it, with its beautiful architecture and the constant flow of people going in and out of the center. Occupying 10,000 square meters of factory chambers built in 1957 and regenerated in 2019 by OMA, UCCA counts over one million visitors each year across its three locations.
The Beijing museum hosts a wide array of exhibitions featuring both Chinese and international artists, from emerging talents to established names. Aiming to connect China with the global scene, UCCA’s exhibitions are known for their innovative curatorial approaches, often exploring themes that resonate with both local and global audiences. In addition to its exhibitions, UCCA offers a robust program of lectures, film screenings, and workshops, and hosts a design shop worth visiting.
UCCA Beijing
798, No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Beijing
Info, tickets, and opening hours: ucca.org.cn
Hive Center for Contemporary Art 蜂巢当代艺术中心
Right next to UCCA, in the very heart of Beijing’s 798 Art District, you can find the Hive Center for Contemporary Art. Founded in Beijing in 2013 by director Xia Jifeng, it is housed in a converted building, once an old industrial plant of over 4,000 square meters. Hive Beijing has five formal galleries and an entrance hall and presents a dozen exhibitions each year.
The name ‘Hive’ is a metaphor for the existence of human aggregation and the multiplicity of their minds, particularly corresponding to the current state of social structure and contemporary art. As one of China’s most influential and largest contemporary art galleries, Hive Center for Contemporary Art is committed to contributing to the local cultivation and construction of contemporary Chinese art while promoting and sharing contemporary Chinese art and introducing outstanding global artists and art projects.
Hive Center for Contemporary Art 蜂巢当代艺术中心
4 Jiuxianqiao Rd, Building E06, Beijing
Info, tickets, and opening hours: hiveart.cn
Must-Visit Galleries in 798 Art District
Beijing Commune
Founded in 2004, Beijing Commune is a leading gallery dedicated to showcasing contemporary Chinese artists. For over 20 years, the gallery has been instrumental in promoting some of China’s most influential artists and it is known for its focus on innovative, thought-provoking works that reflect the complexities of contemporary life in China. Initially dedicated mainly to group shows, the gallery now primarily focuses on solo shows to carry on in-depth research. Beijing Commune stands as a vital platform for esteemed figures and budding talents in the realm of Chinese art. Eminent artists such as Zhang Xiaogang, Song Dong, Yin Xiuzhen, Hong Hao, Xiao Yu, Liu Jianhua, Hai Bo, and numerous others have unveiled seminal solo exhibitions at the gallery, but it also serves as an incubator for important artists, providing them with the freedom to explore and conceive new visions within the realm of Chinese contemporary art. Since 2018, Beijing Commune opened its doors to first-class international artists as well, introducing them to the Chinese cultural scene and market. A not-to-be-missed destination for every art lover in Beijing, both for its incredible history and the fundamental contribution to the 798 Art District.
Beijing Commune
No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Beijing
Info, exhibitions, and opening hours: beijingcommune.com
Tang Contemporary Art
Just a stone’s throw away from UCCA and Beijing Commune, you can find another impressive gallery, highly recommended to immerse yourself not only in the Chinese contemporary art scene but also to familiarize yourself with Asia’s most exciting artists. Established in 1997 in Bangkok, and now rocking 8 gallery spaces between Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore, Tang Contemporary Art is one of Asia’s most influential galleries. Overall, the gallery is fully committed to curating critical projects and exhibitions, as well as collaborating with other art museums and institutions, earning renowned recognition internationally.
The Beijing branch, with its two spaces both located in the 798 Art District, is known for its dynamic exhibitions that feature leading contemporary artists from China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Tang Contemporary Art’s curatorial vision emphasizes the social and political dimensions of contemporary art, offering visitors a deep and nuanced understanding of the region’s artistic landscape.
Tang Contemporary Art
D06, 798 Art District, No.2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Beijing
B01, 798 Art District, No.2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Beijing
Info, exhibitions, and opening hours: tangcontemporary.com
Galleria Continua
I am quite sure they will end up reporting me for stalking, but I had to include Galleria Continua in this list. If you have ever read other posts of mine, you would know that it is one of my favorite galleries internationally, and it happens to have been originally opened just a few miles away from where I grew up, making it an even more curious case study.
Now internationally renowned, Galleries Continua opened its Beijing branch in the 798 Art District in 2005, becoming one of the first international galleries to establish a presence in China. The gallery is known for its commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and its diverse program that includes both international and Chinese artists. Galleria Continua’s exhibitions are often characterized by their ambitious scale and innovative use of space, making it a standout destination in the district. The space that hosts the exhibition is nothing short of incredible, and exhibitions are spread over multiple floors, giving you the impression of being in a museum rather than just a gallery. It is a quintessential experience, not just for the quality of the artists and displays, but also to dive deeper into the reception of international artists in China and Chinese artists by an international institution.
Galleria Continua Beijing
#8503, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Beijing
Info, exhibitions, and opening hours: galleriacontinua.com
Exploring Beyond the Art
Today, the 798 Art District is a melting pot of creativity and culture. While visitors can explore a wide range of art galleries and museums, the district is also home to numerous design studios, where visitors can witness the process of creating innovative products and furniture.
Beyond art and design, the 798 Art District offers a variety of cultural experiences. There are trendy cafes serving delicious coffee and snacks, as well as boutique shops selling unique clothing, accessories, and home goods. The district also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art fairs, fashion shows, and live music performances. Be sure to take a stroll through the district’s outdoor spaces, where you’ll find murals, sculptures, and other public art that add to the area’s vibrant energy.
For a unique and unforgettable experience in Beijing, the 798 Art District is a must-visit—a true Disneyland for contemporary art lovers!
Cover image by zhang kaiyv su Unsplash
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