Beijing’s “798” Factory (Creative District) a must visit!

In the outskirts of Beijing, China, in an area known as Dashanzi, sits an old sprawling neighborhood community of stone and brick buildings stitched together by a network of alleys. This community, actually a bygone government factory called 798 was designed by East German architects for a China of a different age and purpose.

The new China, rapidly embracing the significance of its history, caught a vision for 798 several years back. “Why not use these decrepit buildings to showcase China’s growing creative culture?”. Since my first trip to China in 1984, I’ve never seen a better dichotomy of past to present. Today 798, although still growing and defining itself, is a hotbed of art and culture. A perfect day in and around the factory includes; peering in the windows of artists studios, small galleries representing every medium of interest, shops, music, restaurants, bars, large and small scale public and private events, budding film studios and more. If you get a chance, it’s well worth your time.