Shopping - Art

Artist's Village Area

If you'd like to see artists in action in their studio spaces (and homes) head out to one of the artists' villages in the suburbs of Beijing.

Make an appointment first, and arrange for car service to the village. Most of the art; contemporary watercolors, oil paintings, and sculptures, is for sale.

Address: 1 Chunbei, Ren Zhuang, Tongxian Songzhuan

China Art and Archives Warehouse

One of the forerunners in the up-and-coming Dashanzi art district, this gallery showcases cutting-edge art in a variety of mediums, including painting and sculpture. Be sure to call ahead to make sure there's an exhibit, as the space doesn't have regular shows.

Address: Caochangdi Cun, Jichang Fulu, Chaoyang District

Courtyard Gallery

Although the space here is minuscule; it's in the basement of the Courtyard restaurant, this gallery still manages to attract some of the most sought-after names in contemporary Chinese art, such as Wang Qingsong, Zhang Dali, and the Gao Brothers.

Website: www.courtyard-gallery.com

Address: 95 Donghuamen Dajie, Dongcheng District

Creation Gallery

You'll find more conservative art here than at the Red Gate Gallery and the Courtyard Gallery. The collection is large and the prices vary considerably. Some pieces are surprisingly affordable.

Website: www.creationgallery.com.cn

Address: Southeast corner of Ritan Park, Chaoyang District

Red Gate Gallery

This gallery displays and sells modern Chinese paintings and sculpture in a centuries-old Beijing landmark building.

Website: www.redgategallery.com

Address: Dongbianmen Watchtower, second Ring Road at Jianguomen, Chongwen District

Rongbaozhai

Rongbaozhai Studio has a history of more than 200 years. It deals paintings, calligraphic works, carvings and seals by famous figures, especially the watercolor block prints. Today it has preserved a dozen of valuable works including a Tianhuang seal and a piece of Tianhuang stone weighing 4,275 grams, the heaviest of its kind in the world.

Address: 19 West Liulichang Street, Chongwen District

Yan Club Art Centre

Among the best known galleries in Dashanzi is the Yan Club, which has hosted some excellent contemporary art exhibits.

Address: 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District