798 Art District

Questions?

(+86) 010-84004760
“Our students and teachers have evaluated our trip to China to be extremely positive. It was a full but relevant programme with highly competent guides and serviceminded busdrivers. In the planning Albatros was very flexible and co-operative. It was a great success travelling with Albatros in China.”
Knud Erik Sorensen - EUC High School, Denmark

Follow us

If you’ve just spent the last few days visiting the Imperial courtyards of the Forbidden City, you’re in for a surprise. The 798 Art District is a stark contrast from the intricate and ornate Forbidden City.

A trendy art community housed in a disused 1950s military factory area, the district is known for its contemporary art galleries, cafes, bars and ranks third after Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City on most tourists’ must-see lists. Maybe that’s why celebrated artists like Ai Wei Wei set up gallery in the more alternative art community of Caochangdi in another part of Beijing.

But despite the growing commercial factor, the area still houses some fascinating art galleries and artist studios and offer visitors insight into Beijing’s contemporary art scene. The area is a cultural space where traditional meets modern. Communist-style buildings and warehouses are now home to art installations, coffee shops, book shops, boutiques and exhibitions. Maoist slogans can still be seen etched on factory walls in many of the buildings.

The distinct 1950s Bauhaus-inspired architecture can be seen in the arch-supported sections of the wall and extensive indoor space designed to allow maximum natural light to enter.

Every September, the area hosts the 798 Art District Festival where special exhibitions are curated by leading cultural opinion-makers. 

Tours & Holidays

Live it up in Beijing! We've put together a luxury tour of Beijing where you will sleep in 5-star luxury and eat like a king or queen while we bring you all the best of the Chinese capital!
All the prime sights in Beijing - 1st class meals and hotel
Spend ten days seeing some of China's most incredible sights. Four of those days will be spent on a luxury cruise travelling down the mighty Yangtze River. Indulge in 5-star luxury on this journey.
The Great Wall - Yangtze River - Suzhou Garden - Shanghai
A great holiday in Beijing! This special six-day offer takes you on a breathtaking journey of exploration in one of the most fascinating capitals of the world. Book now!
Lama Temple - The Forbidden City - 798 Art District - Markets
This is a journey like no other. From the subway to the bullet train, we traverse this vast land by rail and discover the easy-going comforts of train travel. Join us for an unforgettable voyage!
Train Travel - Great Wall - Railway Museums - Terracotta Army
Journey into China's imperial past on this unforgettable 12-day journey. We travel to four capitals of ancient China and explore resplendent Beijing and dazzling Shanghai.
Beijing - Great Wall - Luoyang - Shaolin - Suzhou - Shanghai
This 14-day voyage will take you on an unforgettable journey through China. From the urban sprawl of Beijing and Shanghai to the rural charm of Yangshuo and the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Join us!
Beijing - Terracotta Army - Yangshuo - West Lake - Shanghai
Enjoy a 7-day journey to China's imperial capitals. We start with Beijing classics, followed by unforgettable Xi'an and Terracotta Army. This remarkable voyage gives you the best of Beijing and Xi'an!
Tiananmen Sq. - Forbidden City - Terracotta Army - Great Wall
Explore Xi'an with this 3-day tour which introduces you to its glorious imperial past. Be mesmerised by the Terracotta Army, visit the enchanting Muslim Quarter and engross yourself in tai chi.
Xi'an - Grand Mosque - Muslim Quarter - Tai Chi - City Walls
Discover the fascinating Tibetan culture in this journey to an alluring land. Explore impressive palaces, age-old monasteries, incredible temples and stunning nature. A perfect exploration of Tibet!
Lhasa - Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Norbulingka - Gyantse
This 6-day tour is the quintessential Beijing experience. We visit Beijing highlights, explore the hutongs and climb the Great Wall of China. The perfect tour for discovering the capital of China!
Beijing - Temple of Heaven - Tiananmen Square - Great Wall
Embark on the culinary journey of a lifetime! Explore the food markets of Beijing, learn how to make authentic Chinese meals, dine at delightful off-the-beaten track establishments. Eat, cook, travel!
Cooking Class - Great Wall - Excellent Food - The Forbidden City