The 798 Art District has taken over an area of decommissioned factories that manufactured military supplies during the World War II era. The area is filled with lots of narrow alleyways and large, lofty buildings. Just recently it started to take on a new complexion of this hipster art district. Artists both new and old have moved in and refurbished these old buildings to house their collections. Pretty much all of the galleries are free except for a giant new contemporary art museum commissioned by a European couple. The streets are lined with little cafes and art book stores. Most of the cafes look deserted, but really all the people are inside enjoying the air conditioning because it is so ridiculously hot out. There weren't mobs of people, but it definitely drew a steady international crowd.
Needless to say, I loved every minute of it! It's like they built the place with people like me in mind.
I talked a bit with a girl who worked in one of the little art shops that sells beautiful ceramics. She was busy packaging and sending out orders to people all over the world. She spoke a little english - because here everyone starts learning english in middle school, but they don't have a lot of opportunities to speak it, so they don't. She had a list of western names written down and showed it to me and asked me the meaning behind the names. This of course completely stumped me. She had the name "Angela" written down and next to it, "Angel" sure this one made sense to me. But I had no idea if it was true. She wanted to know if the name Sarah meant princess. Since I didn't have my Name Dictionary on me, I couldn't really give her a good answer.
After a little while I decided to go on a poster hunt. Every gallery that I went into, I'd ask for a poster. Some would give them to me for free others wanted anywhere from 15-100 yuan for them. Let's just say I wouldn't pay over 20 yuan, so my poster collection is a little challenged. But I went klepto on all the free stuff and can't wait to decorate my room at school :-)
I finally found my place in Beijing, this is totally it. So if you need to find me, I'll be in the 798.
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