Caochangdi Village, located outside the Fifth Ring Road, is one of the few urban villages in Beijing. It was once a royal horse court and is now an art dream factory. It has a mix of cluttered houses and rustic stores, as well as large and small galleries and art museums. Two different kinds of life are intertwined here.

Part.1 The Artistic Temple Hall in the urban village

Caochangdi International Art Village is adjacent to the famous 798 Art District, which is a new international art and cultural exchange center in Beijing, bringing together hundreds of famous galleries, art institutions and designer studios from home and abroad. The development of Caochangdi International Art Village began in 2000. In the era when the domestic art industry was awakening, the freedom and tension of Caochangdi attracted many artists. The eye-catching gray houses and red houses are the most recognizable symbols here.

Part.2 Visiting Guide

See exhibitions in art studios

The foundation of art is the variety of life. The unique appearance of the urban-rural area leaves more space for art to settle down. The houses in the art district are mostly courtyards, and the roads are relatively wide and clean, with a modern sense of order.

Moreless Furniture, BANMOO Space, Desa Gallery, Three Shadows, YUAN MUSEUM, Myler Gallery and other art institutions with unique designs are hidden here. There is no advertisement and no queue of tourists. The space and the exhibits all reveal the original atmosphere of art. Only people who are really interested will come here.

Little literary stores

The free and lively atmosphere of Caochangdi also attracts many cute little stores. Desserts, crafts, plants and grocery stores make the alleys literary. Craft stores feature cat-themed ceramic mugs, dishes, refrigerator stickers, niche independent design earrings and necklaces, as well as cake rolls and coffee made by store owners.

The largest indoor hot plant store in Beijing

There are more than 500 kinds of hot plants in different forms, such as turtleback bamboo, flower candle, cranberry, deer horn fern and so on. The store makes you feel like you are in a real tropical rainforest.

Caochangdi Market

The market, located in the central area, can be considered as the landmark of Caochangdi. The dilapidated shed is recognizable by the contrast of the surrounding bungalows. Although it is called a market, it is not full of fruits, vegetables and vendors. It is an orderly, clean, small commercial street.

Recommended viewing hours: about 2-3 hours

There are many residential lanes and free art studios. If you have time, come here to walk around and feel the different aspect of Beijing.