#China #Beijing #New Year #798 Art District

798 Art District Rings in 2026

As the last moments of 2025 drew to a close, Beijing's 798 Art District burst into life, transforming into an open-air gallery that elegantly combined art, technology, and social interaction in its New Year’s Eve celebration. The event, themed "Starts New Year with Art 2026," attracted nearly 130,000 people, creating an electrifying atmosphere across the expansive 520,000 square meters of the district.

Instead of the usual single countdown clock, organizers set up six synchronized countdown points throughout the area. This innovative approach showcased a large-scale art piece on the iconic No. 6 chimney, called "Woven Light Chronicles," led by artist Wang Zhigang. This stunning digital artwork turned the industrial landmark into a mesmerizing vertical canvas filled with vibrant lights.

In addition, the famed "79 Tank" hosted the light installation "Endless Circle," projecting captivating visuals onto the structure’s concrete and steel surfaces. Visitors were treated to a sight of large LED screens at Power Square and captivating projections along factory walls and archways, marking the New Year from various vantage points.

The event emphasized community participation, with installations such as "Dear Beijing, Happy New Year" becoming popular photo spots. Illuminated trees adorned with handwritten wishes added a personal touch, while other playful interactive installations encouraged attendees to symbolically release their anxieties from the previous year.

Performers enriched the celebration with a vibrant mix of musical acts. Folk-rock band Wu Tiao Ren and electronic group Nova Heart headlined the main stage, while cross-disciplinary performances blended music, visual arts, and dance. Traditional Chinese culture also received its due share, with classical dance exhibitions, fish-lantern parades, and modern interpretations of lion dance performances weaving through enthusiastic crowds.

With a dedicated focus on promoting art as an urban catalyst, the 798 Art District has garnered recognition as a national cultural and tourism hotspot during the night. This year, several installations created for the New Year countdown will remain on display, allowing the celebration to spill over into the early days of 2026.

The successful fusion of artistic expression with community activities in such a historic locale reaffirms the district's role in enhancing urban vitality. Whether through innovative art displays or initiatives that foster community spirit, the 798 Art District continues to charm its visitors, promising both cultural enrichment and unforgettable experiences.