798 Art Zone

"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

"The 798 neighborhood is a pedestrian-friendly art zone filled with Bauhaus and brutalist-inspired buildings, boutique art galleries, and museums. Allot time to check out the paintings and sculptures by international artists at Pace Gallery, which has locations in Beijing, New York, London, and beyond. There’s also the unique space of Matsune Gallery, hosting socialist realist art from the DPRK. It is an extension of the original gallery in Pyongyang, which at 120,000 square meters proclaims itself as “probably the largest art production center in the world.”" - MATADOR_NETWORK