A surprise find in Beijing is this former communist building, which now showcases the artists and designers of the “New China.”

Browse art, film and books in 798 Space, a former factory compound turned cultural center. It has gained global fame as the focal point for the modern Chinese art scene.

798 Space covers about 10,764 square feet (1,000 square meters) and comprises various exhibition and event spaces, a bookstore and a bar. Housed in a former electronics factory, this curved warehouse is just one of many functional spaces in the area that have been transformed into galleries and studios. This arts district now represents the “New China.”

Architecture buffs will have no trouble identifying the building’s communist-style design. Designed in the 1950s by engineers from East Germany, 798 Space still bears the characteristics that are so typical of utilitarian aesthetics, including open floor plans and right angles. Large Maoist slogans stamped in red remain on the concrete factory walls.

Enjoy some of the constantly changing exhibits, which can include anything from contemporary paintings to large-scale installations with multimedia shows and even exciting dinosaur displays.

After you have taken in the art and architecture, relax with a drink among the industrial machinery in the Old Factory Bar. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood too. Have something to eat, browse for gifts in souvenir shops and look at the district’s outdoor art, such as sculptures and graffiti.

798 Space is located in the Dashanzi Art District, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast from Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. You can get to 798 Space by bus or taxi. The area around 798 Space is much quieter than Beijing’s city center, so relax and take your time to see it. Be sure to plan your visit on any other day than Monday, when many of the galleries are closed.

Plan a trip to see 798 Space

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East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel

Downtown Beijing

￥82,097

per person

Feb 26 - Mar 1

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Beijing (PEK)

8.8/10 Excellent! (98 reviews)

All staff is helpful. All is good except the toilet no dry wet separation so the whole toilet get wet easily after shower. Suggest to have shower screen.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing

Downtown Beijing

Save 100% on your flight

￥182,012

per person

Feb 26 - Mar 1

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Beijing (PEK)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)

Everything top notch

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2025

New World Beijing Hotel

Downtown Beijing

￥90,972

per person

Feb 26 - Mar 1

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Beijing (PEK)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)

The hotel is located inside the 2nd Ring, where most of the historical sightseeing spots located. Since mid November was not busy travel season in Beijing, at time of check in, I requested a free upgrade to a bigger room and the staff was nice enough to give me a bigger one. There is a 1/2 self service pastry stall in the lobby which has my favorite chestnut cake. The nearest metro station is about 15 minutes walk, that I think is a bit far away. The first day I arrived Beijing (11/16) the temperature was zero degree and windy. It would be too cold to walk to the metro station. For the few days I stayed at the hotel, I ended up using taxi most the time instead of subway train. In November the city already turned on heat. My room was facing west and window was locked/unable to open; the room got very warm and I had trouble falling asleep in a " hot room" . On the third day, I had to call the service desk to check if I could have air-conditioning turn on. The answer was no and the housekeeper came to unlock the window so I could got some air! Overall, the hotel is nice, clean and room is spacious.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2025

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