798 Gallery District

798 is like Beijing's Chelsea, and most people seem to see it as the center of the Chinese art world. There are plenty of complaints about it though, such as the feeling that with the explosion of interest in Chinese artists, it has become over-commercialized (like Chelsea) and of course, the usual complaints about some of the Chinese art itself, which is sometimes not well executed, maybe has a weak concept, or more often than not, is imitating something that someone has noticed is already successful. Unfortunately, I made my trip as many galleries were shutting down for the Chinese New Year Spring Festival, so I dont think I got a fair shake of what's usually on offer.

The area is a a former industrial park, and some of the factories there are still working while retired elements provide interesting scenery.