798 Art District  ·  大山子798艺术区

I was in Beijiing recently working at the Olympic Games. A day off and I ventured down around breakfast time to 798... Not really being into "the arts" this was a real awakening for me - an epiphany if you like! Incredible wandering around all these galleries, sculptures, bars (!) and just people watching. The area itself triggered strong memories of the 1960s for me - all that brickwork. A definite must-see when in Beijing and, I have to say, as equally enjoyable as the Great Wall. A lasting impression. too, is that with a little creativity something old and derelict can be transformed into a true place for the people....