Beijing is a city of fifteen million and rapidly growing, but that alone does not explain its thriving visual arts scene: of the sheer number and diversity of artists currently working here. And where better to start than a look at Beijng's 798 Art District? It's an art scene on the move, and this is just one of a number of its lanes.
798 Art District is located on what, a few years back, was Beijing's eastern periphery: then a moribund factory area in the Dashanzi area and 798 refers to the designation of the original Bauhaus factory that became the first of the many galleries that have sprung up-40% in the last year alone. The almost completed subway line 10 will further increase the momentum-though not perhaps of the zone!

There is so much to see here-and even newer art zones- that this is but the first of a series of articles. Environmentally, it's atypical of Beijing, being leafy and laid back. That English sign too. There are far more westerners about than elsewhere in this sprawling city and plenty of western food and refreshments are available. Along with a great art and photography bookstore, most local gallery staff seem to speak some English too, not a facility to be taken for granted in Beijing generally. A nice place to chill out. But the main business of course is exploring the galleries. Wear comfortable shoes as there are over one hundred galleries spread over a considerable area.

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