Beijing 798 Art Zone

News report on Channel 9 mentioned about art galleries and trading has become booming in China reminded me to write about my visit to art galleries in Beijing in 2006. My daughter, Juggie who was then studying in Beijing recommended me to observe China' s modern art scene at Beijing 798 Art Zone in Chaoyang District. It covered the area of 230,000 square metres of old factories designed and constructed by East German experts so the main building adopted Bauhaus designing concept. In 2002, the 798 Art Zone has attracted artists, galleries, art studios, fashion designers, interior designers, environmental design experts and many more until 2007, there are nearly 300 art and cultural institutions established there.

Juggie and I were thrilled by what we had seen, the classic state owned factory zone of 798, 706, 797, 707 and 718 were turned into art galleries. It would take at least two days to tour all galleries, so we visited only the ones our time allowed. Glancing from outside, you never knew there were galleries hidden inside many old buildings. Walking along this art zone, there was hot vapour coming out few factories that were still in operation with trucks moving along nearly end of street from time to time, we felt like it was such a splendid installation art.

Surprisingly, Chinese people had more art expression freedom than Thai artists by using their chairman Mao portrait on 100 Yuan bank note to convey direct sex message at one of erotic art exhibitions. Cultural revolution art entitled "Art is in hands of the People" at Bochi Space was impressive as well as many brilliant modern art pieces by Chinese and international artists on displayed in this art zone. For art lovers,next time you visit Bejing, 798 art zone is a MUST! and highly recommended.