Dashanzi is the centre of Beijing's art community. Dashanzi is a plot of (mostly) former factories (one, full of lathes, is still full at it). Of generally rough construction, they have been painted in more garish shades of the pastels that China so loves, and are full of works of art and craft that range from the nothing special and derivative to the divinely inspired.

The Dashanzi site was built during the 1950s as part of a joint China-East Germany program to build a military factory complex in the area. The buildings were designed to withstand strong earthquakes and to let in as much natural light as possible. In the late 1980s the factories were gradually vacated and the buildings began to be taken over by Beijing's art community.

Art in this area is not the traditional Chinese painting of brush and ink on paper or silk, rather it is a departure from these traditions that occurred during the 20th century.

Art in the Dashanzi area is innovative and contemporary in style. Art collecting has become a fashionable hobby among many, so there is a quietly, vibrant atmosphere in this area as you browse the galleries or visit the classy cafes.

Bus Route: Bus 915, 918 or 934 will take you from Dongzhimen subway station.

Source: beijing-visitor.com