The 798 Art District, also called Dashanzi Art District, is a trendy arts hub in Beijing. Built in a 1950s factory, it’s now packed with galleries, studios, cafes, and shops showcasing modern art. Covering 60 hectares, it’s a must-visit for culture lovers, known as China’s top spot for contemporary art and creativity. A perfect mix of history and urban culture!
798 Art District Facts
- Address: No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Area: 253,800 square meters
- Opening Hours: All day (most galleries open after 10:00am)
- Tickets: Free (some galleries may charge an entrance fee)
- Best Seasons: All year round
History
798 Art District began as a top-secret military factory complex built in the 1950s with East German assistance. The site featured unique Bauhaus-style architecture with soaring ceilings and north-facing skylights – originally designed for precision electronics manufacturing during the Cold War era.
After the factory declined in the 1990s, struggling artists discovered the abandoned workshops. Drawn by the spacious layouts and cheap rents, they transformed the industrial ruins into studios, preserving the factory’s gritty aesthetic while adding creative energy. As more creatives moved in, the name “798” evolved from a factory number to symbolize Beijing’s emerging avant-garde art scene.
Today’s 798 is a thriving cultural hub with over 200 galleries, museums and avant-garde installations. While keeping its industrial bones, it has become China’s most influential contemporary art zone, attracting visitors worldwide to experience where military history and cutting-edge creativity collide.
Must-Visit Galleries in 798 Art District
Beijing Commune
Beijing Commune, founded in 2004 in 798 Art District, is a leading contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing Chinese artists. Initially hosting group exhibitions, it now focuses on solo shows to support in-depth artistic exploration. The gallery has featured renowned artists like Zhang Xiaogang and Song Dong, while also nurturing emerging talents. Since 2018, it has expanded to include international artists, enriching China’s art scene. A must-visit for art lovers, Beijing Commune has significantly contributed to 798’s vibrant cultural landscape.
- Address: 798 Art District, No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (Tuesday to Saturday)
- Website: www.beijingcommune.com
BTAP (Beijing Tokyo Art Projects 东京画廊)
Tokyo Gallery BTAP, founded in 2002 by Yukihito Tabata, brings contemporary Asian art to Beijing’s 798 Art District. As an extension of Tokyo’s historic Tokyo Gallery (est. 1950), BTAP discovers and promotes emerging artists from China, Japan, Korea, and beyond. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions featuring diverse mediums—from oil paintings to installations—while fostering cultural exchanges across Asian cities. It has successfully introduced Chinese artists to international fairs like ARCO Madrid and continues to collaborate with young curators and creators. A bridge between Eastern and Western art scenes, BTAP remains a dynamic hub for cutting-edge Asian contemporary art.
- Address: E02 Floor, Ceramic 3rd Street
- Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Tang Contemporary Art
Tang Contemporary Art Center, founded in 1997 by avant-garde artist Zheng Lin, is a leading force in Asian contemporary art. Its Beijing branch occupies a striking 600㎡ converted factory in 798 Art District, featuring a dramatic 12-meter-high exhibition space. Originally established in Bangkok, the gallery now operates eight spaces across Asia, showcasing cutting-edge works that explore social and political themes. Known for its dynamic exhibitions featuring top artists from China and Southeast Asia, Tang Contemporary actively collaborates with international museums and institutions. The Beijing location’s two spaces regularly present thought-provoking shows, making it a must-visit for understanding Asia’s evolving art landscape.
- Address: B01 & D06, 798 Art District, No.2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Beijing
- Opening hours: 11 am – 5:30 pm (Nov – Apr), 11 am – 6:30 pm (May – Oct) (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Website: www.tangcontemporary.com
Top Contemporary Art Centers & Museum in 798 Art District
Ullens Center for Contemporary Art
UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, founded in 2007 by Belgian collectors Guy and Myriam Ullens, is 798’s flagship art institution. Housed in a striking 10,000㎡ renovated factory, it features expansive galleries, a 150-seat auditorium, and creative public spaces. Renovated by OMA in 2019, UCCA presents groundbreaking exhibitions of both Chinese and international artists, from emerging talents to established names. With innovative programming including film screenings and educational workshops, it attracts over one million annual visitors across its three locations. The center’s dynamic exhibitions and cultural events make it a vital bridge between China’s art scene and the global stage.
- Address: No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road
- Opening hours: 10:00am – 19:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday
- Ticket price: ¥60 – ¥138
Hive Center for Contemporary Art
Located in Beijing’s 798 Art District, Hive Center for Contemporary Art was founded in 2013 by director Xia Jifeng in a converted 4,000㎡ industrial space. Its name reflects the collective energy of contemporary art and social structures. With five exhibition halls, it hosts about twelve shows annually, showcasing both Chinese and international artists. As one of China’s largest contemporary art spaces, Hive plays a vital role in nurturing local talent while introducing global perspectives. The center actively bridges Chinese art with worldwide audiences through innovative exhibitions and cultural exchange programs.
- Address: 4 Jiuxianqiao Rd, 798 Art Zone, Building E06
- Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
Meet You Museum
Meet You Museum, opened in September 2022, is a 5,500㎡ cultural space in Beijing’s 798 Art District near UCCA. It features three main areas: digital art exhibitions, authentic artifact displays, and event spaces. The museum has hosted acclaimed international exhibitions including Renaissance master Raphael, Egyptian mummies, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, and immersive Dunhuang art shows. With a mission to ’embrace culture, share beauty,’ it bridges ancient civilizations and modern art through both physical artworks and digital experiences. The diverse programming spans from classical masterpieces to pop art icons like Warhol, offering visitors global artistic encounters in one location.
- Address: E02-1 Floor, Ceramic 1st Street
- Opening hours: 10:00am – 18:00pm, Tuesday ~ Saturday
798 Art Zone’s Iconic Steam Train
The Locomotive Square in 798 Art District is a striking industrial-themed attraction, featuring a vintage steam train (SY 0751) manufactured in the 1970s. This photogenic spot blends history with art, offering free outdoor exhibits and paid indoor galleries. Once part of Beijing’s industrial railway, the preserved tracks and carriages now serve as a popular backdrop for fashion shoots and weddings, celebrating 798’s unique mix of heritage and creativity.
Different Styles of Architecture and Sculpture
Walking through 798 Art District, you’ll encounter diverse architecture and sculptures at every turn. Each street and corner breathes artistic energy – from the famous wall murals to the industrial-style factory buildings that create striking visual contrasts. Creative installations and graffiti add vibrant originality to the area. Strolling here feels like wandering through an artistic maze that keeps visitors captivated.
798 Art District Beijing Cafes and Restaurants
The 798 Art District is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, bookstores and design stores, which provide visitors with an ideal place to relax and enjoy the artistic atmosphere.
Timezone8
Located in Beijing’s 798 Art District since 2004, Time Zone 8 perfectly blends bar culture with dining. The space features distinctive industrial-chic decor in a converted factory setting. Popular during lunch hours for its lively atmosphere, it serves a diverse menu of Western dishes and Japanese cuisine.
Shenji Restaurant
Tucked away in 798’s alleys, this family-style Chinese eatery serves homely dishes like flavorful stuffed gluten (¥68/small). Owner Mr. Shen, a lifelong local, shares fascinating area history with diners. Don’t miss their signature red-cooked pork, made with premium cuts using a secret family recipe.
At Café
Founded by Huang Rui (co-founder of China’s groundbreaking 1979 “Stars” art movement), this café blends retro Mao-era decor with international cuisine. While walls feature vintage propaganda, the menu serves Italian coffee (owner’s pride), pizza, and Hungarian beef rice – creating a unique cultural fusion in 798 Art District.
How to get to 798 Art District
By Subway
- The easiest way is to take Metro Line 12 to Gaojiayuan Station (Exit B), then walk 500m west (6 mins) to 798’s east gate
- take Line 14 to Wangjing South Station (Exit B1) and walk 1.5km north (20 mins) or bike (8 mins).
By Bus
- Take Bus 403, 418, 593, 851, or 854 to Dashanzi Lukou Dong Station. From there, walk east for 2 minutes to reach 798’s North Gate (closest entrance to UCCA and main galleries).
- Take bus 401, 405, 418, 445, 988 or 991 to Wangyefen Station. From the stop, walk north along Jiuxianqiao Road for about 3 minutes to find the gate.
- Take Bus 516 to Caihong Lu Station, Walk south on Caihong Road, and Turn west onto Jiuxianqiao North Road, and you’ll find the gate.
- Take Rapid Transit Line 53 to Wanhong Lu Station and walk to 798/751 Art Zone.