798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is an arts neighborhood built inside a former manufacturing complex with over 200 galleries and exhibition spaces. The buildings date from the 1950s and feature high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans that work well for displaying contemporary art.

The site was built in the 1950s as Factory 718, a Chinese-Soviet partnership for manufacturing military electronics. When production ended, artists gradually moved into the buildings and transformed them into galleries and working studios.

The name comes from an old factory designation that has become part of Beijing's art world identity. Visitors encounter working artists in studios, small galleries run by independent curators, and spaces where exhibitions change regularly based on what local and international creators want to present.

The area is open on weekdays and weekends with free access to walk between galleries and studios. Wear comfortable shoes since the space is large and you will spend time walking to explore different corners and discover what interests you.

The buildings were designed by East German architects using a Bauhaus-influenced style, which gives them a distinctive European look. This blend of Soviet-era design with contemporary art use is unusual and makes the district visually striking.