Exploring Beijing's Art Scene

08/10/2015China News

A vibrant art scene may not be the first thing that springs to mind when considering China’s capital city. But under Beijing’s occasionally quite austere surface, there is an exciting world of art, music, theatre and culture waiting to be discovered. It is well worth stepping away from the imposing temples and imperial gardens for a moment and taking a look at a different side to Beijing.

Since the late 1980’s, art has become a way to reflect cultural and political tensions that do not have another outlet in modern-day China. In a country where Facebook and Twitter are banned and ordinary citizens are watched over at every turn, China’s art world is surprisingly open and has provided an outlet for young, creative types to vent their frustration on economic, political and social matters in their country.

The 798 Art District, an area of disused factory buildings converted into art galleries, has steadily grown in popularity over the past couple of decades to play host to a thriving artistic community, and has become one of the city’s fastest growing tourist destinations. Whether you have an interest in art or not, the striking architectural style of the 1950’s era factory buildings, and the array of colourful, daring, bold, and occasionally just quite strange artworks on show makes for a fascinating afternoon.

The growth of tourism in the 798 district has caused some of Beijing’s artists to abandon the area, displeased with the fancy boutiques and abundance of trendy coffee shops that have sprung up amongst the galleries. They have reached further out of the city, to find new places to set up and continue to grow, in Songzhuang and Caochangdi, the latter being home to Ai Weiwei, probably the most globally famous Chinese artist at the moment.

Elsewhere across the city art is finding a home in all manner of places. Turn the corner in Shuangjing, an affluent area south of the CBD, and you are greeted by the grotesquely mesmerizing giant self-portrait sculptures of Yue Minjun, endlessly laughing in front of the Today Art Museum, a brilliant contemporary art gallery housed in an old brewery. Explore the Red Gate Art Gallery, Beijing’s first contemporary art gallery opened in 1991, located inside a 600 year old Ming Dynasty Watchtower. You could also attend an art show at the trendy Opposite House Hotel which, aside from being one of Beijing’s hippest hotels, is also setting itself up as a major contemporary art exhibitor. Or simply get lost in the hutong areas close to the Drum & Bell Towers, or around Shichahai, and see what hidden gems you can find.

There are few better ways to get a look at how life and attitudes in China have changed over the past few decades than to dive into Beijing’s blossoming art scene. Speak to a member of our team to see how we can incorporate it into your tailor-made trip to China.