Beijing's Cutting-Edge Art Scene

Filed in archive Neighborhoods on September 29, 2007

Today, the hottest arts scene is not where you'd expect to find it. You can still find cutting edge work in New York or Paris galleries. But, the energy of Beijing's fledgling art scene has brought freshness to the art world.

China's tourist industry has responded to the demands of hipsters, critics, connoisseurs, and those who are just plain curious. Tours of these new artsy neighborhoods are easy to find.

The most popular areas for visitors and artists alike are the Dashanzi Art District (also known as the 798 Art District) and the Songzhuang Artists Community. A number of agencies now organize guided tours through the areas, stopping at various galleries and often giving visitors the opportunity to interact with artists and buy art works to take home.

Though the commercial aspects of such a tour might turn off purists, the fact that it is possible to interact with the artists is a plus. Also, the gallery experiences are far more laid back than those of other cities.

Perhaps the newness and excitement that characterize Beijing's art scene will not last. But, for now, it has an accessibility not often seen in the highbrow world of fine art.