798

This photo was taken in the northeast corner of Beijing known as the 798 Art District in Dashanzi area. The district was originally designed by East German architects in the 1950s and was used to manufacture electronics in the East German Bauhaus style. More recently 798 has become the hub of Beijing's modern art movement. Practically all of the old factories have been converted into galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Imagine old East German smoke stacks full of modern art galleries created by Chinese hippies.

As you walk the streets there is always something new to discover. The entire district is an evolving piece of art in itself. A developing canvas in the form of graffiti, abandoned sculptures, dirty art supplies, and curious photographers occupy each corner. 798 is a refreshing distraction to the everyday tense atmosphere in the rest of Beijing and a welcoming place to Chinese citizens who feel like their life styles do not mesh with the communist regime.