798 District Blog

In 2003 I moved to Beijing, around the same time that Chinese artists began moving to the Dashanzi Art District in Beijing, also known as the 798 Art Zone. Having been frowned upon by the government, here these artists could get inspired, create and expose. A former military factory, the 798 is cathedral-like with swooping arcs, soaring chimneys and Maoist slogans left intact. It has a strong post-industrial taste to it.

At that time the 798 was not a place for tourism. Going there was an overwhelming experience; artists would let you in their private studios, show you their works and ask you how it is “out there”, in the West, the home of freedom. It is this very freedom we have in our society which makes our art so different from Chinese avant-garde.

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Beijing is experiencing a renaissance of the arts, thanks in part to the utilization of its former industrial base. Chen Nan reports

Beijing’s old and decaying factory buildings are getting a new lease of life. Following the success of 798 art district, former factories and warehouses are being transformed into art spaces and creating a renaissance in arts and culture.

Here is a group of artists who are helping to pique the taste of Beijingers with their bold visions and commitment.

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More creative zones are being developed in Beijing and around the country.

These are similar to 22 International Art District, near Baiziwan and home to indie record company Modern Sky; and Shang Bar, near Wanda Plaza, for fashion companies.

Wang Xiaoyun, director and research fellow at the Regional Research Center of the Cultural Industries Institute of Peking University, says 20 of these cultural areas are being constructed in Beijing, more than 40 in Shanghai, and more than 50 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.

“The creative industry has been developed for less than 10 years in China, but at a really fast pace,” says Wang, who is a consultant to Beijing municipal government on creative industry zones.

“Take 798 art district for example, it is mature and has developed into more than just an art area,” Wang says…

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