Art lovers peruse the work of local artists at the 798 Art Zone.
As the country’s capital, Beijing is inevitably one of China’s main cultural destinations for visitors. Chinese art has been attracting worldwide attention as of late, and the local art scene is abuzz with energy and welcoming additions of new galleries and exhibition spaces to showcase local and international talents. There are many galleries and museums to visit in Beijing to see the latest trends and innovations in art, and here are a few of the best places to see what Beijing’s emerging art scene has to offer. Many of the city’s galleries are closed on Monday, so take note when planning your itinerary.
798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone, located to the northeast of central Beijing in Dashanzi, is the city’s premier art district. What was once the location for state-owned military factories (including electronics producer Factory 798) has now become a hub of creative industries, with space for galleries, studios, designer offices, bars, and cafes. You’ll want to set aside half a day to leisurely take in the diverse collections of artwork both in and outside of the galleries; in one gallery, you’ll find propaganda art while in another, an installation by an international artist. In an alleyway, you may come across hip graffiti splashed across the walls. Stumble upon a pottery workshop, and then pop into a stylish design store to peek at (or purchase) that coveted piece for your home. Top off your visit with a cup of coffee at one of the many cafés that line the streets. Remember to take the time to admire the architecture that house these spaces, too, as most are reminiscent of Bauhaus style. There’s also a scholar-led contemporary art walking tour to consider as part of your visit to 798, and keep an eye out for the 798 Creative Art Festival that take place in September/October.
Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA)
Calling themselves “a catalyst for contemporary culture in China,” this center for modern art is funded by European royalty and supported by a roster of local patrons. The UCCA aims to promote the development of the Chinese art scene by encouraging global exchange to support both established and new local and international artists. The artwork displayed in UCCA’s four exhibition halls is representative of such talent, curated with a focus on trends and artistic movements, past and present. Furthermore, UCCA hosts regular public programs such as talks, film events, live performances and workshops for all age groups, allowing the public to delve deeper into the world of Chinese contemporary art. UCCA offers free admission on Thursdays and can be found in the 798 Art Zone.
Red Gate Gallery
Not only is this one of the city’s best galleries dedicated to contemporary Chinese art, but it is also one of the most majestic spaces in which to do so. Housed inside a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty watchtower in Dongbianmen, Red Gate is China’s first privately owned commercial gallery. Local and international curators work to bring in exhibits that range from multimedia work to classical paintings. As one of the city’s leading authorities in local art, the gallery also runs a residency program, bringing in artists, writers, curators and academics to experience and contribute to China’s art scene in person. Red Gate also has a newer outlet at the 798 Art Zone, in the space that was formerly a liquor factory.
China Art & Archives Warehouse
The China Art & Archives Warehouse is located in Caochangdi (“grassy plain”), which, as the story is told, was a desolate area of town until famed Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei opened this gallery and set up his studio there. Soon, other galleries followed and Caochangdi is now another area of town art lovers should visit. CAAW is one of the first galleries to open in Beijing and is partners with the Galerie Urs Meile Beijing-Lucerne. It focuses on promoting conceptual and experimental Chinese fine art and Ai Wei Wei’s curatorial magic has brought in exhibitions of paintings, photography, sculpture and installations throughout the years, solidifying the gallery’s reputation as a leader of the art scene in China.
Platform China Art Institute
Also located in Caochangdi, the Platform China Art Institute runs a successful residency program with the hopes of helping international artists define their artistic identity. The on-site studios provides participating artists with an inspirational space to call home while contributing to the art scene in China. For visitors, this often means the opportunity to preview “work in progress” at one of the gallery’s many public events. Platform China’s roster of exhibits include group and solo shows, and their multidisciplinary programs introduce the interaction between visual art and music, architecture and performance, film and installation, and more.
