When you think of Beijing in China, art is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, 798 Art District, also known as Dashanzi, in Beijing is evidence that this is a deeply cultural city that should not be underestimated.

The district was built during the 1950’s as a Bauhaus style factory site designed by East German architects. The site was vacated for quite some time during which Beijing’s local artistic community discovered the premises and set up shop for their own creative studios.

Location: 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, China

Words & photos by Sara Nicolette