Dr. Mark Nan Tu

798 is known to many as the art district. The area was once military factories but now turned into fashionable art district. The space is rather busy during the day time with loads of visitors checking out various art exhibitions and show. At night, the space is rather quite. There were parties, gatherings and new product announcements? mostly to an invited groups. Therefore, there were not many activities to the general public at night.

The situation is changing however. There are some new bars coming up. With the increasing popularity of the art district and the influence of the upcoming Olympics, I can see that the 798 art district becoming bar district at night in the not too far future.

I have been to the bars in 798 district a few times. The bars here are less noisy than the bars in Houhai and Sanlitun. Most of the bars were restaurants in the day time and serves western style snacks but turn into bars at night serving mixed cocktails and liquor. I once visited a bar where I was the only customer at 11pm at night, a time where all the other bars in town are getting the most customers.

I recommend 798 bars to those who prefer quite settings and far away from the cities noise. An easy afternoon stroll to the many art showrooms and a light dinner in many restaurants in the district followed by a very romantic walk in the alleys and then end the night with relaxation in one of the many bars nearby. What a day!