The 798 Art District is in the Chaoyang District, north east Beijing. It was once an old factory compound that has been transformed to hold a vast collection of Chinese contemporary art. Traveling from Bajio, west Beijing, it takes almost two hours to get there but it was worth the trip. There are many galleries, restaurants, cafes and numerous art studios. It is hip, trendy (my sister would say I wouldn't fit in) and does not feel like Beijing. It is free to get in and if you have the energy you can spend hours walking around exploring the different galleries, the hidden shops and some great graffiti! Some the art is beyond weird, lots of fat naked babies....we were not really sure if it was suppose to be a joke. The statues outside are impressive, this time naked men, I'm sensing a theme here. We aimlessly wandered around, some times in circles, but found lots of interesting things. The old train at the end of the tracks was one of my favourite parts. 798 has something for everyone and it shows a very different side to Beijing, which is a delight to behold! |