Day & Night Around 798 Arts District
Once home to factories and the ceaseless pace of industry, the smokestacks and warehouses that make up the complex that was originally called Factory 798 today look down upon colorful galleries, installations, and exhibitions that make up Beijing’s 798 Arts District.
It isn't just galleries and art to be found in 798 and sister complex 751 these days, though. There are ample coffee shops, restaurants, and a few music venues that you can visit to make a full day and night out of 798.
Galleries & Art Centers
There’s a gallery around every corner the minute you enter 798, all of them offering shows of everything from contemporary to modern to ancient art and more. A few spots worth visiting include the likes of Tang Art, Saatchi, Meet You Museum, Red Gate Gallery, and UCCA (pictured). You can find current and upcoming exhibitions via 798’s official WeChat (ID: tour798) to plan your day, and you can check out some exhibitions happening this month here.
Coffee Museum
Not so much a museum as it is a giant shrine to coffee, Wolfing Coffee’s Coffee Museum has pour-overs from all over the world to try. Seriously, there’s a lot to choose from, there's even the chance to smell ones at a sort of exhibit within the shop. Grab your pour-over of choice and enjoy it in the large main room or one of a few themed rooms, like the America or Asia room.
Wolfing Coffee Coffee Museum
1/F, Bldg C, Slow Life Zone, 5 Wanhong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区万红路5号慢生活园区C栋1层
Hours: Daily, 10am-7pm
Contact: 183 3216 1750; 134 8421 0585
Choc-a-lot
If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, then the best place to satiate it is at the 798 branch of this citywide chain. They’ve got sweets of all kinds, like marble cheesecake squares, peanut butter chocolate brownies, cookies… plus bomb hot or cold drinking chocolate to boot. There are also savory sandwiches available for more substantial snacking.
Choc-a-lot (798 branch)
Near Lehuo Xinqingnian Shequ, 797 Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区797路乐活新青年社区旁边
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-8.30pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-9pm
Contact: 135 5227 4728
Alleyway Shops, Stands & More
Tucked in between the major art galleries lie smaller shops selling jewelry and other trinkets, snacks, and even a few mobile robot things selling ice cream (pictured). Although the shops can get crowded on weekends, it's nice to pop in and get a gift or snack in between viewing art.
Commune Reserve 798
Having opened at the tail end of 2024, Commune Reserve’s arrival in the arts district means access to their stellar pizzas, burgers, drinks, and menu mainstays like their oxtail grilled cheese. The massive venue – which bears a striking resemblance to the long-gone Nali Patio – also allows for indoor or outdoor seating once the weather gets nice.
Commune Reserve (798 branch)
Inside Wanhong Slow Life Zone, 5 Wanhong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区万红路5号万红慢生活园区内
Hours: Mon-Thu, 11am-2am; Fri-Sat, 11am-3am; Sun, 11am-2am
Contact: 185 1324 3857
Jing-A 798
Another good spot for drinks is this branch of Jing-A. While a little more intimate than Commune, they’ve got the full Jing-A menu of burgers and snacks. The beers here rotate regularly, so there’s always a new pint or two to try. Bonus, the rooftop makes for a nice place to chill in nice weather or on summer nights.
Jing-A Taproom (798 branch)
D-06, Zhong Er Jie, 798 Arts District, 2 Jiuxian Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙路2号798艺术区中二街D-06号
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-midnight
Contact: 132 6326 9859
Track
Situated in the relatively new 751-798 Train Street, Track is a nightclub housed inside a repurposed train car. They have weekly sets from DJs of all stripes, and the venue makes for what could be the best spot to end your day – or continue your night into the next day – in 798.
Track Bistro
Inside 751-798 Train Street, 798 Arts District, Chaoyang District
朝阳区751园区火车街区
READ: Day & Night Around Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4
Images: Uni You, Track Bistro
