Beijing's 798 Art Zone Transforms Former Military Factory Into Thriving Gallery Hub

The 798 Art Zone, also called the Dashanzi Art District, is a complex of decommissioned military factory buildings in Dashanzi, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

Industrial Origins

The factory complex began as part of a 1950s plan of military-industrial cooperation involving the Soviet Union. Buildings retain their distinctive industrial architectural style and sit within alleys off Jiuxianqiao Road, south of the Dashanziqiao flyover. Old Maoist-era slogans remain visible on some factory ceilings.

Artistic Transformation

The area now houses a thriving artistic community of galleries and studios. It has served as the main venue for the annual Beijing Design Week. The former military site draws visitors seeking contemporary art displayed inside preserved industrial spaces.

Key Anchor Venue

The UCCA Center for Contemporary Art anchors the zone as its largest and most visited venue. Galleries and studios cluster around this central institution, allowing visitors to explore multiple sites in one outing through the alleys.

Visiting Approach

Exploration begins with the alleys that connect the decommissioned buildings. The industrial setting provides context for the galleries and studios that occupy the spaces, with the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art serving as the primary starting point for many visitors.

The zone's location in Dashanzi makes it accessible for those already familiar with Chaoyang District routes. Walks through the alleys reveal how the original factory layout now supports the artistic community, from smaller studios to larger exhibition spaces.

Practical visits focus on the preserved structures that define the area. The combination of industrial heritage and contemporary galleries creates a distinct experience that differs from purpose-built cultural sites elsewhere in the city.