"The 798 neighborhood is an East German-built military factory area transformed into a pedestrian-friendly art zone. The Bauhaus and brutalist-inspired buildings of the neighborhood also stand out in the city’s architectural landscape. Most of Beijing’s distinctive buildings are dominated by either imperial opulence (Forbidden City), stylish traditional (hutongs), or massive futurist (CCTV tower and Olympic structures).There are many boutique art galleries to dip into, as well as larger art museums. The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) is an independent, not-for-profit center founded by Belgian art collectors in 2007. The three-story space is massive, so check the exhibit information in advance to make sure your time is spent wisely.The 798 Photo Gallery is another major league museum. Keeping in line with the distinct architecture of the 798 district, the look of the original Bauhaus style space has been maintained. One of the walls exhibits a slogan in red paint, “Long live Chairman Mao, for a hundred million years.”Either before or after your trip to 798, be sure to stop by one of Beijing’s best breakfast/brunch spots — the Green Cow Cafe. This cafe is on the frontline for organic options in Beijing." - MATADOR_NETWORK
